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Roberto De Zerbi makes long-term vow in first words as Tottenham manager

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New Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has issued a message to fans

Roberto De Zerbi has shown his long-term commitment to Tottenham Hotspur in a message to supporters. The 46-year-old was confirmed as the club’s new head coach on Tuesday.

The former Brighton boss agreed a lucrative five-year deal with Spurs, which reportedly makes him the third-highest-paid manager in the Premier League. De Zerbi had been out of work since leaving Marseille in February.

His appointment followed confirmation that Spurs had parted ways with previous boss Igor Tudor. The Italian coach will now focus on ensuring Premier League survival, having joined a Spurs side sitting one point above the relegation zone with seven games remaining.

The team have not won a league game since December. Despite the threat of Spurs losing their top-flight status, De Zerbi has stated he is at the club for the long haul.

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In a short video posted on the club’s X account, De Zerbi said: “Hello to all the Tottenham fans. I am very happy to stay here with you. For me, it’s a very [big] honour and I’m very proud to be your coach.

“I want to give my best. I want to stay for a long time in this big club. See you soon.”

De Zerbi’s first match in charge will be against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on April 12. The club’s earlier exits from the FA Cup and Champions League will afford the new boss an extended spell on the training pitch.

He is Tottenham’s third managerial appointment of the season following Thomas Frank and Tudor’s previous exits. The disjointed campaign has left the team in a relegation scrap, despite also reaching the Champions League knockout stages.

De Zerbi began his coaching career in Italy and was also in charge of Shakhtar Donetsk before joining Brighton in 2022, where he was lauded for his team’s attacking style. In his first statement as Spurs boss on Tuesday, he suggested that he plans to implement a similar approach in his new role.

"I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world,” De Zerbi said.

"In all my discussions with the club's leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear – to build a team capable of reaching great achievements, and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters.

"I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it.

"Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season. I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that."

Tottenham sporting director Johan Lange said of De Zerbi’s appointment: "Roberto was our number one target for the summer and we are very pleased to be able to bring him in now.

"He is one of the most creative and forward-thinking coaches in world football, and brings with him a wealth of experience at the highest level, including in the Premier League."

I played for Roberto De Zerbi – he's like Jurgen Klopp and will rescue Tottenham from relegation

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I played for Roberto De Zerbi – he's like Jurgen Klopp and will rescue Tottenham from relegation - Football London
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Roberto De Zerbi will take charge of Tottenham Hotspur for the first time on Sunday, April 12, when they face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Adam Lallana has backed Roberto De Zerbi to keep Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. The Lilywhites are just one point – and a hefty goal difference – away from the relegation zone; they could fall into the bottom three if they lose to Sunderland and West Ham beat Wolves.

Spurs are yet to win a game in the English top-flight this year, so the Italian will be determined to taste victory at the Stadium of Light next weekend. During an appearance on Wednesday morning's talkSPORT Breakfast show, Lallana was asked whether De Zerbi can keep Tottenham up.

Without hesitation, the Southampton Under-21s head coach said: "Definitely. Not even a doubt in my mind. I just think they're very, very fortunate. I'm actually slightly jealous.

"I was speaking to a player at Spurs who was picking my brains about him. I just know they're going to be in for a rollercoaster, but a great one."

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Lallana featured 45 times for De Zerbi across two seasons at Brighton. The former England international helped the new Tottenham boss secure qualification to the Europa League in his first season at the Amex Stadium.

Before working with De Zerbi on the south coast, Lallana enjoyed a fruitful spell under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. Together, they won the Premier League, the Champions League, the Super Cup, and the Club World Cup, which was later renamed the Intercontinental Cup.

Lallana continued: "I always compared him with Jurgen, actually. Probably just the passion that they both possess for the game. I think tactically and game mode-wise, they're completely different. But in terms of love and passion for football, they're exactly the same."

On whether De Zerbi will be able to lift the Tottenham squad both physically and mentally, the 37-year-old said: "Roberto's an extremely smart man.

"He'll know he's not got time to play a certain way, a certain style. He won't be snobbish to not understand that. He knows he's got to go in there and motivate a group of men.

"Luckily for Roberto, he might not know that, but he's one of the most inspirational managers and people there is, in my opinion. After five minutes of him speaking in our first meeting when he joined Brighton, I was on board.

"I have no doubt he'd be able to emulate that at Spurs."

Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall send Roberto De Zerbi perfect message before Tottenham meeting

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Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall will hope to be key players in the new-look Tottenham Hotspur starting lineup under Roberto De Zerbi.

Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall have already staked their claims for a place in the new-look Tottenham Hotspur starting lineup. Roberto De Zerbi will be determined to lead the Lilywhites back to winning ways when they lock horns with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light next weekend.

Spurs are yet to win a game in the Premier League this year and could fall into the bottom three if they lose to the Black Cats and West Ham beat Wolves. The Hammers will have the luxury of setting the pace, facing Rob Edwards' side on Friday, April 10, before Tottenham play Sunderland on Sunday, April 12.

Fortunately for the Italian, he will at least have a week or so to rally his troops before going to battle in the North East. With no time to waste, De Zerbi could be inclined to consider the performances of those who featured for their country during the international break.

Gray and Bergvall both certainly made a great first impression on Tuesday night. The former fired the England Under-21s to a 4-1 win over Moldova, maintaining their three-point lead at the top of Group G in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign.

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Gray put the Three Lions ahead on the hour mark, smashing the ball into the roof of the net. The floodgates opened at Carrow Road, with Ethan Nwaneri and Romain Esse later extending England's lead.

Before the game, Lee Carsley commented on the pressures of playing for a team embroiled in a relegation battle. Speaking to Hayters, the England Under-21 boss said: "He’s going through a lot of minutes at Tottenham under severe pressure and high-pressure situations."

Carsley added: "It’s very difficult. I’ve had the experience of being relegated from the Premier League two years on the bounce. It’s not easy. You live and breathe it literally every minute of the day.

"And to be at a club like Tottenham, also, where the pressure will be immense with the new stadium and the training ground and the expectation, Archie has thrived in that environment, and hopefully he can keep that up."

Meanwhile, Bergvall came off the bench to play a key role in Sweden's qualification for the World Cup. In the final minutes of the European play-off final against Poland, the 20-year-old midfielder had a shot saved by Kamil Grabara, which fell to Besfort Zeneli, who struck the post.

The ball then rebounded to Viktor Gyokeres, who snatched the winner from close range. Thanks to Bergvall, Graham Potter's side have sealed a place in Group F at the World Cup, joining Japan, the Netherlands and Tunisia.

In an interview with Fotbollskanalen after the game, Bergvall provided an update on his fitness. The Swede has only recently returned to action, having required surgery on an ankle injury at the start of the year.

"It’s been tough, but it was incredibly fun to be back and that we won," said Bergvall. "Yes, it went quickly. But it’s hard to say when you get an injury like that. It varies from person to person how quickly it goes. I was lucky to get back in time."

Gray and Bergvall could feature in midfield when Tottenham face Sunderland next weekend. Speaking to football.london back in November 2025, the former commented on his relationship with the latter.

"Me and Lucas are really close," said Gray. "Every time we’re on the pitch together, we just trust each other 100 per cent. Even if there is pressure on us, we know we can play to each other and we can handle that pressure. We’re really close on the pitch and off the pitch as well."

Roberto De Zerbi left my wife gobsmacked after hour-long phone call - it was not normal

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Roberto De Zerbi's true character became clear at an unexpected moment

Roberto De Zerbi once left his former player’s wife in awe after a one hour-long phone call.

Newly-appointed Tottenham Hotspur manager De Zerbi has already enjoyed one successful stint in the Premier League, having managed Brighton between September 2022 and May 2024.

During that time, goalkeeper Jason Steele played more games under the Italian than he has managed under any head coach before or since. Steele became De Zerbi’s No. 1 shot-stopper initially on the south coast before sharing the role with Bart Verbruggen.

The pair’s relationship transcended the pitch, however, as shown by a touching gesture De Zerbi made last year after he had already left and become manager at Marseille. Steele, 35, underwent an operation on his shoulder in January 2025.

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He recalled how his former boss, although he was no longer obligated to do so, took time out of his busy Ligue 1 schedule to check in on him with an hour-long FaceTime call. De Zerbi’s actions left Steele amazed at his kindness, with the gesture speaking volumes of his character.

The Seagulls goalkeeper told talkSPORT: "As a human being, he is one of the more special ones I’ve ever come across. I came out of surgery and he was playing a day later with Marseille.

"He FaceTimed me for an hour on the Friday night. I think that speaks volumes about him as a person, as a human being.

"My wife sat next to me on the couch and said, 'I can’t believe that just happened, is that normal?' "I actually don’t think it is normal."

De Zerbi’s contract at Brighton was terminated at the end of the 2023/24 season after disagreements with the club hierarchy over their recruitment strategy.

He said on his departure: "I am very sad to be leaving Brighton but I am very proud of what my players and staff have achieved with the support of everyone at the club and our amazing fans in the past two historical seasons."

Despite his sudden exits from Brighton and Marseille earlier this year, Steele’s story suggests De Zerbi possesses fantastic man-management skills. That will be crucial as the 46-year-old takes charge of Tottenham this week.

Roberto De Zerbi clause truth as Tottenham strike two huge agreements with new head coach

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Tottenham Hotspur confirmed the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as the club's new head coach on a five-year contract on Tuesday

Roberto De Zerbi will be handed a lucrative survival bonus if he manages keep Tottenham in the Premier League.

De Zerbi, 46, was appointed as the new Spurs head coach on a bumper five-year contract on Tuesday. He has replaced Igor Tudor, who was sacked on Sunday following a disastrous 44-day reign in north London, and has been first tasked with retaining the club's top-flight status.

Tottenham have endured a horrendous season so far and sit 17th in the table, just one point and one place above West Ham in 18th. Indeed, Spurs have failed to win any of their last 13 top-flight matches and there is now a real danger that they could be relegated to the Championship.

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But, should De Zerbi keep Tottenham in the Premier League, he would receive a mega survival bonus, according to The Mirror. That would, of course, come alongside the significant pay packet he is receiving from his contract, with the Italian reported to have become the third-highest-paid manager in England behind Arsenal's Mikel Arteta and Manchester City's Pep Guardiola.

If De Zerbi doesn't keep Spurs in the top flight, however, there is NO relegation escape clause inserted into his contract, and he would therefore lead the club into the Championship.

The ex-Brighton and Marseille boss has seven games to preserve Tottenham's top-flight status, with his first competitive game as the club's head coach set to be a trip to Sunderland on Sunday, April 12.

They then host his former club Brighton before travelling to rock-bottom Wolves in a three-game period that could be pivotal if Spurs want to remain in the Premier League. Aston Villa, Leeds United, Chelsea and Everton are the other four teams that Tottenham have to face between now and the end of the season.

Speaking after his appointment, De Zerbi reiterated that his first task was to keep Tottenham up. "I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world," he said.

"In all my discussions with the club's leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear – to build a team capable of reaching great achievements and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters. I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it.

"Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season. I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that."

Tottenham sporting director Johan Lange added: "Roberto was our number one target for the summer and we are very pleased to be able to bring him in now.

"He is one of the most creative and forward-thinking coaches in world football and brings with him a wealth of experience at the highest level, including in the Premier League."

French media all have same opinion after Roberto De Zerbi takes Tottenham job

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Roberto De Zerbi was confirmed as Tottenham's new manager on Tuesday - and the Italian has a heck of a job on his hands with Spurs battling to stay in the Premier League

There's a palpable buzz at Tottenham following the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi. But across the Channel, the mood is a little more muted.

On Tuesday, De Zerbi was confirmed as Igor Tudor's successor, signing a five-year deal to become Spurs' third manager of what's been a turbulent season. He arrives with the club hovering just a point above the relegation zone, facing the very real threat of a damaging drop to the Championship.

After his impressive spell at Brighton, many Tottenham supporters believe De Zerbi has the tactical acumen to guide them to safety. But in France, confidence is less assured, with sections of the media casting doubt on whether the former Marseille boss can replicate that success under such intense pressure.

TeamFootball called the decision to hire De Zerbi a "bold gamble" and a "crazy bet for survival," pointing to the defensive weaknesses of his teams, particularly as they're getting to grips with the 46-year-old's demanding and often complex playing style.

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"The risk is immense," the publication wrote. "The rapid adoption of his methods could prove costly in the relegation battle."

Similarly, L'Equipe branded the appointment "a double edge sword," noting that De Zerbi's management style is "incandescent" and can leave players exhausted. They also warned that his complex tactics may take too long to implement in a seven-game relegation battle.

MVZ Sports claimed the Tottenham job would be the "most difficult challenge" of De Zerbi's career, pointing to the desperation and lack of confidence in the squad following two torrid seasons domestically. Score.fr also urged caution, labelling De Zerbi a "builder" not a "firefighter."

Le Parisien, on the other hand, gave this assessment: "From the cauldron of the Vélodrome, the 46-year-old manager will land on a scorching bench: his Croatian predecessor lasted only seven matches in the English capital after having himself replaced Thomas Frank."

Despite the reservations in France, Tottenham sporting director labelled De Zerbi "one of the most creative and forward-thinking coaches in world football," adding that he was the club's "No. 1 target" for the summer.

Initially, De Zerbi wanted to take over at the end of the season - but was ultimately convinced to take the reins earlier once faith in Tudor began deteriorating. Spurs' interest in De Zerbi dates back to 2023 and he became one of their primary managerial targets in the wake of Thomas Frank's dismissal in February, according to The Athletic.

"I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world," De Zerbi said in a statement on Tuesday.

"In all my discussions with the club's leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear - to build a team capable of reaching great achievements and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters. I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it.

"Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season. I'm looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that."

His first game in charge will be against Sunderland on April 12 before a mouthwatering clash against former team Brighton six days later. Tottenham then round off the campaign with games against fellow relegation-battlers Wolves and Leeds, as well as tough ties against Aston Villa, Chelsea and Everton.

Luka Modric makes big Luka Vuskovic statement after Tottenham star smashes Croatia audition

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Tottenham central defender Luka Vuskovic is set to feature for Croatia at this summer's World Cup

Luka Modric has made it clear he feels Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic has what it takes to thrive at the top level.

The 19-year-old Spurs gem is being described as the 'main positive' of Croatia's mini US-tour ahead of the World Cup this summer.

He started both matches for Croatia, scoring in the 2-1 victory over Colombia before also impressing during last night's 3-1 defeat to Brazil.

When asked if Vuskovic is good enough to play at the highest level, Modric said after earning his 196th cap against his former boss Carlo Ancelotti: "Definitely. He played two very good games, he has a great future ahead of him, he just needs to keep going."

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Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic already confirmed Vuskovic is set to be named in his World Cup squad several months ago.

Therefore, his stock is only likely to increase on the back of an excellent loan spell in Germany with Hamburger SV.

Tottenham are yet to make a decision on his future but the talented teenager will not be short of interest at the end of the campaign.

Barcelona are courting the player and have him on their defensive shortlist alongside Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni.

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have also been strongly linked as Spurs continue to fight their way towards Premier League survival.

Speaking last month, Vuskovic told German media he was not willing to make any statements over his future when asked if he'd consider playing in the Championship if Tottenham were relegated.

He said: “I can’t and won’t say anything about that or about the future in general. I’m their player and have a contract until 2030.”

The former Dinamo Zagreb prodigy has scored five goals at club level this term in 24 appearances in the Bundesliga.

Vuskovic is developing at a frightening rate, however, that will come as no surprise to Tottenham, who invested £12million to sign him back in September 2023.

They waited a long while to formalise that transfer too as he could not be registered until he turned 18 due to Brexit, meaning he spent time on loan in Poland and Belgium.

Hamburg are keen to re-sign Vuskovic on another loan so he can play alongside his brother Mario next season when he returns from a doping ban in November.

That prospect seems unlikely though as it's clear Vuskovic is ready to make his mark in the Premier League or at another top European club.

Five Marseille players Roberto De Zerbi could sign for Tottenham including Arsenal star's brother

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Many football managers want to stick with what they know, so with that in mind, here are five Marseille players Roberto De Zerbi may look to sign for Tottenham

For the next two months, Roberto De Zerbi will have to work with whatever Tottenham Hotspur stars are at his disposal. The Italian is dealing with the same injury crisis which blighted the brief reigns of Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor.

With Spurs only one point above those dreaded dotted lines, De Zerbi cannot afford to look beyond this Premier League campaign. A woefully poor season could become historically disastrous if he does not hit the ground running.

However, the ex-Brighton and Hove Albion manager is a confident man who will more than expect to drag Tottenham to safety. His self-belief may even prompt him to look ahead to this summer's transfer market, where some of his former players could be on his transfer list.

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De Zerbi did some impressive things in Marseille, even if his reign was abruptly cut short after a shock Champions League exit and a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. At times, the French side played some entertaining football under his stewardship.

Perhaps in a bid to replicate his unique style, he may look to arrange some reunions with some of his ex-Marseille players. Here are five players he may look to sign for Tottenham this summer.

Geronimo Rulli

The former Manchester City goalkeeper has been a constant presence in goal for the French side. With Guglielmo Vicario being linked with a move back to Italy and Antonin Kinsky struggling on his debut, De Zerbi may look for a solid goalkeeper who can handle his style.

Rulli may be the experienced and reliable head Tottenham have been craving between the sticks. With his contract expiring next summer, he may also be an affordable signing for the club.

Quinten Timber

If De Zerbi decides he wants to bring Quinten Timber with him to Tottenham, a sibling rivalry would be added to next year's North London Derby. The Dutchman is the twin brother of Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber.

Quinten has been a reliable presence at Marseille this year, impressing in the French side's midfield as well as for his national team. Spurs have looked flaky in the midfield all season, and if De Zerbi wants someone who already knows his style of football, Quinten may be the perfect addition.

Arthur Vermeeren

On the subject of midfielders who understand and thrive in De Zerbi's style, Arthur Vermeeren may be a great target for Tottenham. The young Belgian looked like a star in the making under the Italian.

Considering the way De Zerbi wants his midfield stars to be pressing machines as well as technicians, the Belgium U21s international may be eyed as a long-term signing. Spurs have a lot of midfield engines in Joao Palhinha, Conor Gallagher, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and others, but Vermeeren would bring something different to their midfield.

Timothy Weah

Last summer, Timothy Weah was briefly linked with a move to Tottenham when Thomas Frank was in charge. With his former manager De Zerbi now at the helm, a move may be more likely.

Weah arrived at Marseille from Juventus last summer and has gone on to contribute three goals and four assists. However, his value may be in his versatility, as he has featured at right-back, left-back, right midfield and left wing under De Zerbi.

Given Tottenham's worrying injury record, the prospect of signing a player who can feature out wide in defence and in the forward line may be palatable to the Spurs board. If De Zerbi harbours belief in him, the club may make a more serious attempt at signing him.

Benjamin Pavard

The French World Cup winner may not be considered the world-class force he was when he played at Bayern Munich, but he now appears to be over his injury issues and has been a key player at the Stade Velodrome.

At the age of 30, he still has many years ahead of him, and with the futures of Micky van de Venn and Cristian Romero uncertain, the Frenchman may be just the leader Tottenham will need at the end of the campaign.

Roberto De Zerbi's line-up for first Tottenham game after fresh injury blow

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After Tottenham Hotspur suffered yet another frustrating injury blow, Football London takes a look at what Roberto De Zerbi's first Spurs team may look like

Roberto De Zerbi has been introduced to Tottenham Hotspur's ever-growing injury crisis. Both Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor tried to contend with the list of injured players in north London but failed miserably.

At Brighton and Hove Albion, De Zerbi imposed a high-pressing and intense style of play which tests the physical limits of his players as well as their tactical nous. The new Spurs boss will have to quickly get his vision across while also preserving the few players he has available.

The Italian was dealt another huge blow as Pape Matar Sarr returned from the international break with a shoulder injury. There is 11 days between now and De Zerbi's first Premier League match, an away clash against Sunderland.

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At present, when injuries and suspensions are included, De Zerbi will not be able to call upon Sarr, first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, Ben Davies, Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus.

With Vicario suffering a hernia injury, it will surely be a fresh start for Antonin Kinsky, who has not featured since his nightmare evening against Atletico Madrid. Pedro Porro will slot in at right-back, as Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven lead from central defence, while Djed Spence will likely be deployed at left-back.

Midfield will then be an interesting area for De Zerbi. Tudor was guilty of constantly rotating his midfield due to his repeated alterations of Tottenham's formation.

However, De Zerbi religiously deployed Brighton in a 4-3-3 formation and will surely do so again. Archie Gray, who has been one of Spurs' sole bright lights this season, will be in the midfield, while Palhinha will likely be deployed in Sarr's absence with Conor Gallagher completing the midfield tripartite.

In the forward line, Richarlison, Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons look the most likely options to lead the front line. Randal Kolo Muani will fancy his chances of forcing his way into the frontline.

Lucas Bergvall will also be waiting in the wings should a position on the wing or in central midfield open up. De Zerbi may also place his faith in young Brazilian left-back Souza, who arrived in January.

However, the Italian has little time to experiment or tinker. With Spurs just one point and one place above 18th-placed West Ham United, they cannot afford to start slowly under De Zerbi.

He has seven matches to save Spurs from a historic and disastrous relegation. After Sunderland, De Zerbi will also play host to his former side Brighton and Hove Albion on April 18 before a pivotal away clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 25.

After those fixtures, which all look like must-win games, Tottenham face Aston Villa at Villa Park on May 2, Leeds United at home on May 9 and Chelsea away on May 17, before a final home match against Everton on the final day of the season.

Tottenham's huge transfer spend and Daniel Levy's enormous pay package uncovered

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After Tottenham Hotspur's recent accounts dropped, some information about what Daniel Levy had earned at the club appears to have been revealed in the documents

Former Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy earned more than £12million in his final year at the club, according to club accounts. The former executive chairman was a divisive figure at the club, with many blaming the club's woes on his actions in north London.

Levy, 64, left his position in September with Vinai Venkatesham taking over as CEO and sporting director Johan Lage overseeing football matters at the club. The pair will be desperately hoping their latest big decision, appointing Roberto De Zerbi as manager, will save the club from a previously unthinkable relegation.

While Spurs fans have been less than impressed by the new Tottenham backroom chiefs, there is still frustration with Levy's reign in north London. Fans will have been reminded of his previous presence in the latest set of financial results up until June 30, 2025.

Within the reports, it states the highest paid director at the club, which is understood to be Levy at the time, earned £5.775m, representing an increase from £3.728m.

Moreover, it also states £6.661m was also paid "in respect of past director compensation for loss of office" which is also understood to have been paid before Levy left the club in September.

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The financial results did have one financial boost, which was total revenue and other income increasing from £528.2m to £565.3m, representing a 7% jump. However, as the revenue creeped up so too did the club's losses, as the club recorded a loss of £94.7m from £26.2m the previous year.

Furthermore, club debt has also increased from £772.5m to £831.2m. Spurs also state they had a net spend of £158.59m in the transfer window last summer.

Considering Tottenham are staring down the barrel of another season finishing in the bottom five, or maybe even below the dotted lines of relegation, these figures will not chime well with supporters.

De Zerbi has 11 days to ready his new players for his first Premier League match as Spurs manager. It could not be much harder as the club travel to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland, who have been impressive at home in their first season back in the top flight.

His next two fixtures may also be make or break as they host Brighton and Hove Albion and then travel to take on rock bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers the following week.