Football London

Tottenham are in talks with Roberto De Zerbi but could be presented with one immediate issue if he is appointed as Igor Tudor's successor in north London

Tottenham could face 'carnage' should Roberto De Zerbi take charge of the club's bid for Premier League survival. The north London club may want to heed the words of Brighton defender Lewis Dunk when the Italian was still in charge of the Seagulls.

De Zerbi is in line to take over Spurs following Igor Tudor's exit. The club engaged in advanced talks with the ex-Marseille boss and have proposed a lucrative deal, though discussions still must take place over De Zerbi's backroom team.

If the 46-year-old accepts Tottenham's five-year offer, he must hit the ground running with a side that has not won a Premier League match in 2026. But De Zerbi's first weeks in charge of a new club can be a nightmare, such is the difference in his approach.

Speaking in 2023, Brighton star Dunk revealed how difficult the adjustment was when De Zerbi came in following Graham Potter's exit. “If I am being honest, the first couple of weeks were horrendous…" Dunk told the Telegraph.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE!Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

"I wouldn’t say horrendous, they were baffling. The first meeting when he went in, I was so confused – who to look at, what to listen to, and you slowly pick up. Basically don’t listen to the manager, wait for the translator to speak and you get there in the end.

“Training changed dramatically. We worked on a lot of different stuff and the first couple of weeks were a really hard transition.

"We were fourth in the league when Graham left and we were flying with him and it was a strange time for him to go and then Roberto came in and it was a carnage two weeks.”

With just seven matches remaining and Tottenham in 17th place with West Ham one point behind, De Zerbi will need to get off to a fast start at Hotspur Way. Not doing so could prove disastrous for the Lilywhites.

But if they are able to navigate that period, Spurs' stars could reap the rewards if they undergo a journey like that of Dunk. “I see football in a completely different way, I picture it in a different way and that is the biggest thing," Dunk added on his experience.

"Football is not what I thought it was. Just how we play now. The idea of what I did before, I thought it made sense. But when you learn something completely different, you believe in it and this makes sense. You think ‘why didn’t I know this?’ and ‘why didn’t I do this before?’

“The style of play, really. And when to release the ball. All our games now are about pressure, playing with opposition teams when they’re pressing high and pressing low. When to pass the ball, the timing of that and the timing of movement. Before, I didn’t really know about that. It’s all about the finer details."

Tottenham are in advanced negotiations with former Brighton and Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi over a five-year deal to take charge immediately in their Premier League relegation battle

Roberto De Zerbi has been presented with a five-year contract proposal by Tottenham. The relegation-imperilled Spurs have issued an urgent call to the former Brighton and Marseille manager in a desperate bid to avoid demotion.

Tottenham were engaged in advanced talks with De Zerbi on Monday, having proposed a lucrative deal for him to assume control immediately rather than delay until the summer. It's understood that they've progressed as far as deliberating over the specifics of De Zerbi's backroom staff, given the Italian's reputation for maintaining a substantial support team.

De Zerbi may opt for a smaller staff, but with a clear mandate to rescue Spurs with just seven matches remaining, and the potential of being in the drop zone by the time a new manager steps in. Tottenham aim to appoint a new boss by the time their players return from international duty this week, allowing ample time to familiarise themselves before their next fixture at Sunderland on 12 April.

West Ham play two days prior, and should they triumph over Wolves, it would thrust Tottenham into the bottom three and place them in grave danger of relegation. This urgency prompted them to expedite their plans regarding De Zerbi, who was already on their summer shortlist, as relegation would spell disaster for one of the Premier League's most prominent and longstanding clubs.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE!Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

They are believed to have extended a substantial offer to De Zerbi, viewing him as a top-tier coach capable of instilling discipline in the squad and providing a significant new-manager boost.

Tottenham's previous appointment of Igor Tudor proved disastrous as the Croatian failed to secure a single Premier League victory during his 44 days as interim manager. The club parted ways on Sunday, but not before Tottenham identified De Zerbi as their primary target with a definitive strategy to secure his services, with plans to pursue a former player or manager possessing Premier League credentials should negotiations collapse.

Spurs are also aware of potential controversy as at least three supporters' groups have openly condemned De Zerbi for his backing of ex-Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood while managing at Marseille.

Former Spurs midfielder Tim Sherwood, who also took charge of the club in the past, emerged as one candidate under consideration, but he has endorsed De Zerbi as a strong option should his former side complete the deal.

Sherwood told Sky Sports: "I love his personality and the way his teams play. But they can be open and can get hammered in some games - you can't get hammered between now and the end of the season.

"We saw his Marseille team play against Liverpool with an open style. He opens up the pitch, it's expansive the way he plays.

"We know how stubborn this man is. This man is hard to deal with, but I like him for that because he's got his own mind and does it his way, so that's my only reservation.

"I think if he can get them over the line, I think he's a perfect manager for Tottenham to have taking them forward. The main priority is just to keep them in the league."

Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with a return to Spurs and he has responded to speculation that he is in talks with his ex-employers

Mauricio Pochettino has revealed he has held "no talks" with Tottenham amid speculation linking him with a sensational return to north London.

United States head coach Pochettino, 54, was speaking ahead of his nation's friendly against Portugal when he was asked about the vacant position at Tottenham following Igor Tudor's departure on Sunday.

Tudor, 47, was dismissed after a dreadful 44-day reign that saw him win just one of his eight matches across all competitions and that came in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid. The Croatian failed to win a single Premier League game during his time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, picking up one point from a possible 18.

With Tottenham sitting in 17th and just one point and one place above the relegation zone, ex-Spurs boss Pochettino has been linked with coming in amid the fight to avoid the drop, though Roberto De Zerbi has emerged as the favourite to take over.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

And on Monday, the Argentine was asked about whether he has held talks with Tottenham amid the club's search for a new manager. "No talks," a defiant Pochettino replied. "We are very very focused here on the World Cup.

"Everyone knows that I have a commitment with the national team here. It’s not the point to talk about the future. No one approached me. But who knows what is going to happen. And by the way, we are open [to staying with the USMNT], why not if the federation is happy?"

Pochettino was appointed as the USA's national team manager in September 2024. The former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager has since been preparing the USMNT for hosting this summer's World Cup, and has established a mixed record during his time at the helm, winning 13 and drawing two of his 24 matches.

USA are due to face Senegal and Germany in further warm-up matches before the World Cup, where they will take on Paraguay, Australia and another nation that is to be confirmed.

Although Pochettino poured cold water on him becoming the next Tottenham manager, he did talk about the club's hopes of avoiding relegation and staying in the Premier League.

When asked if he believes Spurs will remain in the top flight, Pochettino replied: "Yes, they can stay up. Of course, it's a difficult time, but they have the capacity to win, with or without a new coach."

De Zerbi is the outright favourite to replace Tudor and become the new Spurs head coach. Reports have suggested that the Italian has agreed to a five-year contract and is expected to take over ahead of their next game, a Premier League trip to Sunderland on Sunday, April 12.

Tottenham are in talks with Roberto De Zerbi over the manager potentially returning to the Premier League after parting ways with Igor Tudor.

Tottenham have reportedly issued Roberto De Zerbi a 48-hour ultimatum regarding their managerial vacancy. The Italian has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Igor Tudor as Spurs desperately seek to avoid the drop.

Tudor departed the club by mutual consent on Sunday, having failed to register a single victory across his five Premier League matches at the helm. The Croatian was brought in on a temporary basis to replace Thomas Frank, yet Spurs have continued to slide deeper into relegation trouble since his appointment.

The north London side are currently 17th in the table, a solitary point above the bottom three. The club are keen to appoint a new manager before their players return from international duty, with De Zerbi now in advanced discussions over the position.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE!Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

The former Brighton manager was initially reluctant to take the job before the summer, but has since warmed to the prospect of taking charge on a permanent basis.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Tottenham have handed De Zerbi an 'ultimatum' during negotiations, giving the Italian 24-48 hours to deliver a definitive response to their proposal.

The report further states that 'until yesterday, the answer was always no', before noting that 'things have changed now'.

De Zerbi is reported to be weighing up the offer and the potential advantage of an immediate appointment should he successfully guide Spurs to safety.

Should the 46-year-old take the reins at Tottenham, his first match in the dugout would arrive on Sunday, 12 April, when Spurs travel to face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light (2pm kick-off).

Prior to that fixture, Tottenham could find themselves dragged into the relegation zone, with 18th-placed West Ham entertaining Wolves at the London Stadium on Friday night.

Victory for the Hammers would lift them above Tottenham and send them tumbling into the bottom three. However, Tottenham would hold a game in hand over their fellow relegation-threatened sides.

The potential appointment of De Zerbi follows three Tottenham supporters' groups releasing statements opposing the move.

The backlash stems from the manager's remarks regarding Mason Greenwood, whom he managed during his time at Marseille.

Tottenham Hotspur have several players recovering from injuries as the battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League resumes next month

Tottenham Hotspur will have to deal with several injury concerns when they return after the international break.

Spurs are currently looking to appoint a new manager following Igor Tudor’s departure, which was confirmed over the weekend.

Former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has been listed as the early favourite to be the next Tottenham boss, with Spurs looking to appoint the 46-year-old on a permanent basis rather than look for another interim manager until the end of the season.

Spurs were dealing with several players on the sidelines through injury before the international break, and that is expected to continue when they return to the pitch.

Tottenham’s next match will see them face Sunderland in the Premier League on April 12, which will see a number of players still expected to be unavailable.

Guglielmo Vicario is not expected to be available to face Sunderland after the goalkeeper underwent surgery to treat a hernia, but could return before the end of next month.

Spurs will also hope to have Mathys Tel available next month after the striker suffered a groin injury, which resulted in him being withdrawn from the France Under-21 squad.

Mohammed Kudus and Rodrigo Bentancur have both been recovering from muscle injuries, but Spurs will hope the duo will be able to return to training sometime before the clash against Sunderland.

Yves Bissouma missed Tottenham’s defeat to Nottingham Forest before the international break and there is still uncertainty over whether the midfielder will be available in time for the trip to the Stadium of Light next month.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE!Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

Tottenham also have several players recovering from long-term injuries, with Ben Davies’ timeframe for a return still uncertain after he suffered a broken ankle earlier this year.

James Maddison is continuing to recover from an ACL injury he suffered during pre-season last summer, but will have hopes of making a return before the end of the campaign.

Wilson Odobert and Dejan Kulusevski are both recovering from long-term knee injuries and are not expected to feature for Tottenham before the end of the season.

Tottenham currently find themselves one point above the relegation zone in 17th place and could drop into the bottom three before kick-off against Sunderland, if West Ham defeat Wolves in the Friday Night Football.

Pep Guardiola has previously explained why Roberto De Zerbi would be a brilliant fit for Tottenham Hotspur.

Pep Guardiola has told Tottenham Hotspur exactly what they want to hear about Roberto De Zerbi.

After mutually parting ways with Igor Tudor, Vinai Venkatesham and Johan Lange have been tasked with appointing a manager who will not only keep the Lilywhites in the Premier League but also lead them back into the UEFA Champions League. So, the Spurs chiefs have set their sights on the former Marseille boss.

football.london understands there's a feeling within Tottenham that they're closing in on De Zerbi, whose brand of football aligns with those in the boardroom. Regardless of whether the Italian takes the job, the Lilywhites expect to appoint a head coach in the coming days.

Tottenham want somebody in place to welcome back those who reported for international duty, giving the squad enough time to prepare for the clash against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on April 12. If De Zerbi were to fill the vacancy, he'd have just under two weeks to work with his new players at Hotspur Way.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

Although there would be question marks over whether the 46-year-old could instil his core ideas and principles in such a short time, Guardiola has given Spurs every reason to take a leap of faith. Since first locking horns in October 2022, he and De Zerbi have grown to become friends.

The Manchester City boss previously described the Italian as 'one of the most influential managers in last 20 years' following a brilliant debut campaign at Brighton. In his first season at the Amex Stadium, De Zerbi helped the Seagulls qualify for the Europa League.

In May 2023, Guardiola said: "There is no team playing the way they play - it's unique. I had the feeling when he arrived the impact he would have in the Premier League would be great - I didn't expect him to do it in this short space of time.

"He creates 20 or 25 chances per game, better by far than most opponents. He monopolises the ball in a way it hasn't been for a long time. They deserve completely the success they have."

Guardiola added: "If you don’t play at a high level, he can do whatever he wants against you. They completely deserve the compliments and the success that they have. It’s one of the teams that I try to learn a lot from; it’s unique."

In October 2023, Guardiola heaped praise on De Zerbi for his ability to play such an exciting brand of football without any 'top players', which certainly bodes well for Tottenham. The Spaniard said: "I think I admire him for the fact it doesn’t matter the team he plays.

"He proved you don’t have to be in a top, top, top club or with top, top exceptional players to make your team play how you like to play. He came from Italy, and the way he plays is a little counter-cultural, and it doesn’t matter what happens.

"He plays [with] Sassuolo and teams who may not be considered the top, top, top ones, it doesn’t matter, [we] have the ball, we are going to play, to play, to play. I’m a spectator mainly as a manager, and I enjoy a lot watching his teams play, I learn, like it, and what he does makes sense.

"It’s not a surprise the success his teams have because he is playing deservedly. Even when they lost to Villa, he plays his own style, it doesn’t matter transitions, deflections, Aston Villa, a top side this season for the quality they have with the manager and players, but they do [play], it doesn’t matter."

Although they haven't faced each other since April 2024, they remain friends. In February 2026, De Zerbi and Guardiola met in Brescia, Italy; they took a selfie and it went viral on social media!

Tottenham Hotspur's managerial preference has seemingly emerged following Igor Tudor's departure

With Italian manager Roberto De Zerbi among the leading candidates being considered for the Tottenham Hotspur hotseat, it will go down well with the current fanbase that he has already had a running with an Arsenal star. De Zerbi was at the centre of a notable clash with Leandro Trossard during the pair's time together at Brighton, a dispute that ultimately prompted the Belgian winger to join Spurs' neighbours.

Tottenham are on their lookout for a third manager of the season after Igor Tudor left by mutual agreement off the back of just one point from five league matches. De Zerbi, who lasted less than two seasons at his most recent employers Marseille, is one of several managerial candidates in contention to take over.

The 46-year-old oversaw 69 matches at Marseille and 89 at Brighton, having previously managed in Italy and Ukraine. He parted ways with Brighton at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, over a year after a falling-out with Trossard that effectively brought the former Genk ace's time at the Amex Stadium to an abrupt end.

In January 2023, De Zerbi alleged that Trossard had walked out of a training session without authorisation after learning he would not be selected for the FA Cup third-round tie. The forward never featured for Brighton again, completing a move to Arsenal later that month, although Trossard publicly contested his former manager's account of events as his agent gave his side of the story.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE!Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

"He left the session without saying anything to me," De Zerbi said. "And it's not good. I spoke with him, and I explained this attitude [and] behaviour, I don't like.

"I am open with him to take a step back and listen to him, but he has to understand me; I want only players who work hard and play for the team 100 per cent."

Trossard moved to Arsenal for a fee rising to £27million on January 20, assisting the north London side in pushing Manchester City all the way in the title race. De Zerbi's claim was contested by the player's representative, who indicated a contract extension at Brighton had been explored before the 2022 World Cup only for things to ultimately turn sour.

"In the run-up to the game against Middlesbrough for the FA Cup, Leandro had already indicated twice that he had problems with his calf," Trossard's agent said in a statement. "This was the reason why he stopped training. This was, incidentally, in consultation with the medical staff.

"The manager told Leandro that he had to train separately. Last Monday, the manager humiliated Leandro in group and indicated that he no longer wanted to see him. A manager who has not communicated directly with his player for four weeks is really incomprehensible.

"Incidentally, it is also the manager who has indicated several times that a transfer is the most convenient solution. It is therefore important that Brighton cooperates with a potential transfer during this transfer period and shows a benevolent attitude, which is beneficial to both parties."

The remainder of the 2022/23 campaign proved successful for De Zerbi and Brighton, who secured their finest ever Premier League finish of sixth place. They occupied a top-half position for most of the subsequent season but ultimately ended in 11th, with their manager's departure confirmed shortly before the final game of the season.

Trossard recently marked three years as an Arsenal player, having agreed enhanced terms last August and continued to show his value under Mikel Arteta. He brought up 150 appearances for the London outfit this season and has netted five league goals this term to help them occupy top spot in the title race with just seven matches remaining.

Rivals Tottenham, by contrast, sit merely one point above the relegation zone. De Zerbi had reportedly been hesitant to accept the manager's position at the club until the summer, but it has since been suggested that his position has softened.

Tottenham are understood to have offered Roberto De Zerbi a five-year contract as the club seeks to avoid relegation from the Premier League

Roberto De Zerbi is renowned for his tactical eye and attention for detail. It's is one of the key reasons Tottenham are working hard to appoint the Italian, who recently departed his position with French club Marseille.

Spurs are understood to be proposing a five-year contract to De Zerbi as they look to twist his arm and persuade him to return to the Premier League where he previously impressed with Brighton - firing them to the Europa League.

So what would his Tottenham team look like, if he was to land the role? There would be huge emphasis on possession and aggressive pressing when his side do not have the ball.

He likes his goalkeeper to bait the opposition forwards so that when they engage, there is space for his players to move the ball swiftly up the pitch with purpose.

Guglielmo Vicario's distribution is not his strongest quality but it feels somewhat risky to field Antonin Kinsky ahead of the Italian, who recently underwent hernia surgery, given his recent disaster in Madrid.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

When both are fit, Vicario should still get the nod. Beyond that, the formation will be a key factor because De Zerbi favoured a 4-2-3-1 at Brighton, while at Marseille he had joy playing a 3-4-2-1.

Igor Tudor tried to implement that system upon arrival in north London but then reverted to a back-four.

Given Tottenham are leaking goals for fun, perhaps De Zerbi would look to sure things up with a three-man defence.

Micky van de Ven, Cuti Romero and Kevin Danso could make up the back-three with Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro operating as wing-backs.

Archie Gray or Conor Gallagher could be the midfield destroyer and usually, De Zerbi likes a ball-playing midfielder alongside his defensive-minded midfielder.

Spurs have lacked that this season but maybe Lucas Bergvall could be ready to step up in that role now that he's returned to fitness.

Then, in attack behind the striker, Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus, who is close to returning to fitness, could provide support behind a centre-forward.

Dominic Solanke could be first-choice but De Zerbi will not be short of options because Spurs also have Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani.

On the flip side, if he was to try and implement a 4-2-3-1, Mathys Tel and Kudus could be the wingers with Xavi operating as the No.10 behind Solanke.

Danso would then likely drop out of the defence and De Zerbi could also go for a more sturdy midfield, made up of Gray and Gallagher plus Joao Palhinha or Pape Matar Sarr.

Rodrigo Bentancur is also on the comeback trail but Tottenham will need to rebuild his condition carefully following an adductor injury.

Roberto De Zerbi is open to joining Tottenham Hotspur as their new head coach, according to reports.

Spurs are currently looking for a replacement for Igor Tudor, after the Croatian parted ways with the club on Sunday via mutual consent after just seven games.

De Zerbi is currently available for work, having left Marseille in February. And according to Sky in Italy, the 46-year-old is not opposed to the idea of a Premier League return.

It comes despite reports last week that De Zerbi had distanced himself from potentially taking up tenure with another club until the new season, affording himself some time to assess his options.

However, it now appears as though the Italian has had a sudden change of heart, and could chip in with helping Spurs avoid relegation from the Premier League in 2025/26.

At the time of writing, the Lilywhites sit 17th in the league standings, just a point clear of the drop zone with seven games to go.

Their next game comes in the form of a tough trip to the Stadium of Light to face a resurgent Sunderland AFC on Sunday, April 12.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE!Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

Having managed Brighton and Hove Albion between 2022 and 2024, De Zerbi is no stranger to the trials and tribulations of the English top flight.

However, his recent run of form with Marseille could prove problematic, especially given Spurs' current predicament. The north London outfit have managed just seven wins in total this season, their last coming in the form of a 1-0 runout over Crystal Palace in late December.

It comes as Spurs announced that Tudor had left the club on Sunday afternoon. A statement announcing the decision read: "We can confirm that it has been mutually agreed for Head Coach Igor Tudor to leave the Club with immediate effect.

"Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci have also left their respective roles of Goalkeeping Coach and Physical Coach.

"We thank Igor, Tomislav and Riccardo for their efforts during the past six weeks, in which they worked tirelessly. We also acknowledge the bereavement that Igor has recently suffered and send our support to him and his family at this difficult time.

"An update on a new Head Coach will be provided in due course."

Former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp will be in a different continent while Spurs try to avoid Premier League relegation

Harry Redknapp looks set for a very busy April as he prepares to go on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! South Africa. The 79-year-old, who has spoken about returning to Tottenham and becoming head coach, will instead be undertaking some very different tasks over the coming weeks.

Redknapp won the 2018 edition of the hugely popular ITV show and is set for a return seven years later to their All Stars version, that starts on April 6, alongside the likes of David Haye, Sir Mo Farah and Jimmy Bullard. Redknapp has been in the headlines already this month following his claims at the Cheltenham Festival.

When asked by Sky Sports about taking the Spurs job, he said: "They know where I am if they need me. They need somebody to go in there and give them a lift and make them believe in themselves. They're bang in trouble, I must be truthful. It's going to be tight at the bottom, isn't it?"

He also told a very interesting story on talkSPORT about a conversation he had with former Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE!Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

Redknapp said: "I got a phone call last week from Daniel, funnily enough. "I think I spoke to him once since I left all that time ago. I was in the car last week and suddenly my phone goes – it's Daniel Levy.

"I was on the phone to him for about half an hour. He said to me: 'If I was there now, and I'm not just saying it, I would bring you back until the end of the season, Harry'. That would have been interesting."

With Levy departing the club back in September, the interim role was given to Igor Tudor but he managed just six weeks in the job. His exit by mutual consent was confirmed on Sunday afternoon.

Tottenham also wrote in their statement that "an update on a new Head Coach will be provided in due course." Roberto De Zerbi, Sean Dyche and Adi Hutter have all been strongly linked, though the latter has recently ruled himself out of contention.

He told Austrian media: "In recent days and weeks, I have been increasingly linked with various clubs. However, as I already stated immediately after my time at Monaco, I would prefer not to work as a head coach again until the start of the new season at the earliest. My position on this matter has not changed since then.”

Ben Davies, who is still recovering from ankle surgery, has also emerged as a shock candidate for the role. The Tottenham hierarchy do have time to make their decision though, with their next game not until Saturday April, 11 against Sunderland.

The March international break and the Lilywhites being out of the FA Cup and Champions League will also hopefully give injured players time to recover.

Lucas Bergvall and Destiny Udogie returned before the domestic pause and there is hope that Mohammed Kudus and Rodrigo Bentancur will also make comebacks having both not played since January.

There has also been positive news on James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, who have not played this season due to major knee injuries. The former is back on the grass and has featured in parts of team training while Kulusevski recently confirmed he underwent a minor procedure and is feeling much better.