Daily Express

Tottenham 'strike Roberto De Zerbi agreement' as eye-watering contract details emerge  Daily Express

Tottenham’s injury list in full as new manager faces nightmare relegation scenerio  Daily Express

Tottenham could turn to a familiar face to help them fight relegation following the departure of Igor Tudor, but it won't be Mauricio Pochettino. With the ex-Spurs boss in charge of the United States ahead of a home World Cup, the club could look even closer to home.

Defender Ben Davies could be involved in the coaching staff of any interim manager, with just seven matches remaining of the season. Davies has even been touted as a potential appointment in some corners, alongside figures such as Harry Redknapp, Glenn Hoddle, Tim Sherwood and Chris Hughton, all of whom have experience in north London.

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Davies, who underwent ankle surgery in January, has an uncertain role for the remainder of the season. The Welshman has already attained a UEFA A licence and is set to see his contract expire with the club in the summer. The veteran still had plans to continue playing for a number of years, heading into this term, but his coaching qualification is a rare feat for someone still in the midst of their career.

Tudor's exit, after just 44 days, sees Tottenham needing to find a third head coach of the season. Spurs have seven matches remaining in the Premier League and are just one point outside of the relegation zone ahead of West Ham United.

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Managers such as Roberto De Zerbi and Sean Dyche have been linked with the job. The latter played down talk of having a meeting with the club, while De Zerbi departed Marseille earlier this year but may require some convincing.

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It is said Spurs would likely offer the 46-year-old a major salary and bonus for keeping the club in the Premier League. The Italian could still decide that he'd rather wait for more options to come in the summer, pushing the Lilywhites to find another interim boss as they plan to have a new boss in time for the end of the international break.

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While he is also unavailable until the summer, Pochettino recently spoke about his love for managing in England. The former Chelsea and PSG coach is out of contract with the US following the World Cup.

"I miss the football scene in England. I love the country, its culture, the football culture,” Pochettino told L’Equipe.

“For anyone with a competitive spirit who wants to measure themselves against others and test their limits, it's the ideal place. Here, you have to give your best constantly.”

The 54-year-old also revealed that Spurs had enquired over his availability in the past. "Not just Tottenham, other very big clubs too,” Pochettino said.

"When that six-month season ended [in 2021], there was a bit of... Well, with this whole COVID situation, the situation at the club created instability. In every area.

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"There was a period of change, uncomfortable situations, situations that... didn't give the impression that it was possible to work in a stable environment, like the one we have today.

"I enjoyed my experience at PSG. But I had other options, which I shared with the club, but they chose not to listen to any of them."

Tottenham anticipate appointing a new head coach in the coming days to succeed Igor Tudor. It was revealed on Sunday that Spurs and the Croatian have mutually agreed to part way following a challenging and emotional week for Tudor.

The 47-year-old was notified after last weekend's loss to Nottingham Forest that his father Mario had passed away, prompting him to return home for the funeral which took place on Wednesday. A statement from the club read: "We can confirm that it has been mutually agreed for head coach Igor Tudor to leave the club with immediate effect.

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"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.

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"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."

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Now CEO Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange must turn their attention elsewhere. It's understood Spurs aim to have a new head coach installed by the time the players return from international duty, affording them all 10 days to collaborate ahead of the Premier League match at Sunderland, reports football.london. Coach Bruno Saltor has stayed on and will oversee training for the small group of Tottenham players currently at Hotspur Way.

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Spurs have seven matches to secure their Premier League survival and numerous individuals have been associated with the managerial role, including potential permanent appointments like Roberto De Zerbi to another temporary one in the form of Adi Hutter, Ryan Mason, Harry Redknapp, Edin Terzic and Marco Rose. De Zerbi has teld talks with Spurs already and there is encouragement that he would be willing to take the job permanently on the condition that Spurs stave off the threat of relegation.

Tudor departed without a single Premier League victory to his name and whoever assumes the position will need to elicit a swift reaction from the club's floundering squad in order to reverse their fortunes.

Tottenham Hotspur have parted ways with Igor Tudor as interim head coach. The Croatian was hired as a temporary appointment, not long after the north Londoners sacked Thomas Frank.

Defeat to Nottingham Forest has plunged Spurs further into a relegation crisis, with Tudor losing five of his Premier League games in charge. After the loss to Forest, Tudor did not report for his media duties as he was informed his father had passed away. He headed back home to be with his family when the news was broken to him. However, seven days after Spurs lost to Forest, the club have confirmed the Croatian has been dismissed from his role.

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In a statement, Spurs wrote: "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.

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"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."

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Tudor will leave north London with Tottenham precariously perched on the dreaded dotted lines of relegation. Spurs are only one point above 18th placed West Ham United, but do hold a substantially better goal difference over the Hammers.

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Tottenham are the only Premier League club who are yet to register a single victory in 2026. After the international break, they travel to Sunderland on April 12 and then host Brighton and Hove Albion on the 18th.

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Following the visit of the Seagulls is a potentially make or break clash away to 20th placed Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have registered a victory over Liverpool and a draw with Premier League leaders Arsenal at the Molineux this year. Spurs' final four matches will be away to Aston Villa, at home to Leeds United, away to Chelsea and at home to Everton.

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At present, it's unclear as to who will be in the dugout for the final relegation run-in. Sean Dyche, who was sacked by Nottingham Forest in February, has been linked with the role.

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Moreover, former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is also understood to be admired by Spurs, but reports in Italy understand the Italian would prefer to takeover at the end of the season.

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Wayne Rooney has voiced concerns about Harry Kane maintaining his fitness levels and steering clear of injury to guarantee his availability for England at this summer's World Cup. Kane is presently with the Three Lions squad for the friendly matches against Uruguay and Japan.

The Bayern Munich forward did not take part in the 1-1 stalemate against Uruguay on Friday evening, but may receive some playing time in the friendly clash against Japan on Tuesday evening at Wembley Stadium. Kane has performed a crucial role at Bayern once more this campaign, netting 48 goals across 40 outings in all competitions, including 31 in the Bundesliga.

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This form has enabled Bayern to establish a nine-point advantage at the summit of the Bundesliga over rivals Borussia Dortmund and has also propelled the German outfit to the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will meet Real Madrid.

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Rooney has underlined the significance of Kane staying fit for when England travel to the World Cup this summer. “I think such an important aspect for England is having Harry Kane fit and if he is, then he’ll be a major reason why we do win it if we do,” he told the Press Association.

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“But if you go into any game and you’re not fully committed to that game because you’re thinking of something else then you potentially could get injured.

“Any player will tell you that you’re playing for your club and when you’re playing for your club, that’s all that matters until that season is over then you go away with England then England take over.

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“I don’t think he’ll be slowing down. Hopefully Bayern Munich have the league won quite early and (head coach) Vincent Kompany gives him a little bit of help!”

England will face Panama, Ghana and Croatia in the group stages of the World Cup, which is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.

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Despite Kane netting 133 goals in the 136 matches he's appeared in for Bayern since departing Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2023, the forward has only ever managed to place as high as 10th in the Ballon d'Or rankings.

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“He’s consistent in what he’s done his whole career: he’s scored goals, he’s created goals at both club and international level,” Rooney said.

“To do it year in, year out, and he never gets mentioned for the big honours which I find quite strange.”

Igor Tudor will desperately need his key players fit and available when Tottenham resume their Premier League campaign in the coming weeks, if the club is to steer clear of the drop. The north Londoners sit just one point above the relegation zone, marooned in 17th with seven wins, nine draws and a staggering 15 defeats to their name. With only seven fixtures remaining and West Ham snapping at Spurs' heels, Tudor has precious little time to turn things around in north London.

He is yet to taste victory in his opening five Premier League matches at the helm, suffering heavy defeats to Arsenal, Fulham, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, while managing only a draw against Liverpool. Spurs were also eliminated from the Champions League under his watch, going out on a 7-5 aggregate scoreline against Atletico Madrid across two legs.

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Here's a look at the ideal starting team Tudor should field across his final seven matches of the campaign, fitness permitting...

Goalkeeper - Vicario

First-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario dealt Spurs a significant setback ahead of the international break when it emerged he would require surgery on a hernia and could be sidelined for up to a month as a consequence.

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Despite being unavailable immediately following surgery, Vicario was seen at Italy's training camp before their World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland earlier this week - though in a gesture of support rather than harbouring any expectations of featuring.

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The prospects for the coming fortnight look exceptionally grim for Spurs, particularly given second-choice shot-stopper Antonin Kinsky's high-profile mistakes that saw him subbed early against Atletico Madrid.

Nevertheless, should Vicario's rehabilitation progress smoothly, there should be nothing stopping the 29-year-old from returning to action towards the final stages of Tottenham's make-or-break campaign.

Defence - Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence

With an uncompromising approach and reliability on the right flank of defence, Pedro Porro is precisely what Spurs require amid their current relegation scrap. The 26-year-old is also amongst the club's more seasoned figures, which will prove essential in maintaining team cohesion through adversity.

Cristian Romero should also be among the first names on Tudor's team-sheet throughout April and May. He's formidable in the challenge and remarkably dependable when he manages to keep a level head.

A shining light in an otherwise underwhelming side this season, Micky van de Ven has caught the eye with his electrifying pace and assured game management. He's unquestionably the ideal man to partner Romero in central defence.

Meanwhile, just as effective going forward as he is positioned in the backline, Djed Spence provides Spurs with a degree of versatility in terms of transitional play.

However, Tudor may need to be mindful that the 24-year-old does not venture too far upfield, leaving Spurs vulnerable on the break.

Midfield - Gray, Bentancur, Simons

One of the club's most reliably outstanding performers this campaign despite their dismal run of results, Archie Gray has demonstrated repeatedly that he can compete with the Premier League's elite.

Another influential figure on the pitch for the Lilywhites, Rodrigo Bentancur must also be featuring in every match for his side in the forthcoming months.

Predominantly regarded as a defensive-midfielder, the Uruguayan has successfully adapted to a more box-to-box position recently, and has delivered crucial contributions when required most.

Presently ruled out with a thigh problem, it is uncertain whether the 28-year-old will be fit for selection for next month's journey to Sunderland.

With merely one goal and four assists to his credit this season, Xavi Simons has struggled to leave a significant impression in north London. That's not to suggest the attacking-midfielder hasn't displayed moments of quality, though.

While a fully-fit James Maddison would be the natural selection here, the Englishman has been absent for almost a year due to an ACL injury, and appears unlikely to feature before the campaign ends.

Attack - Kudus, Tel, Richarlison

Mohammed Kudus has also been recuperating from a thigh problem of his own recently, in a significant setback to Spurs' attacking capabilities. He has registered two goals and six assists in a struggling outfit this campaign, despite featuring for a total of just 773 Premier League minutes.

Should Kudus be available to return against Sunderland, his inclusion is a straightforward decision. His skill and speed a nightmare for any backline.

Mathys Tel has also displayed glimpses of world-class ability across the forward positions. When utilised alongside Kudus, the Dutchman could certainly prove troublesome against any side in the English top flight.

And while Dominic Solanke's three Premier League goals this season may have been sufficient to secure him an England call-up under Thomas Tuchel, Richarlison is the clear option to spearhead the attack.

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The Brazilian has scored three times as many goals as Solanke this campaign and is a persistent threat in and around the penalty area. Good service could make all the difference.

Tottenham are in serious danger of being relegated to the Championship in what would be an unthinkable scenario for one of England's biggest clubs. Less than a year after winning the Europa League, the north Londoners are fighting to secure their Premier League status after a disastrous campaign to date. If they go down, it would arguably be the most shocking relegation of all time.

Spurs haven't been relegated since 1977, when times were very different. Now, they are part of the established 'big six' and rake in far more money than most other Premier League clubs. They also have one of the best stadiums in world football and it would be a crying shame, if not slightly funny, to see it hosting the likes of QPR, Bristol City and Preston North End next season.

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Express Sport looks at the six most shocking relegations to have ever taken place, with Tottenham desperate to avoid joining that unwanted club...

Man Utd (1974)

The Red Devils were relegated to the second tier more than 50 years ago in a development that stunned English football. They deserved it, too.

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They were among the division's worst-performing sides despite being one of the country's biggest clubs and were sent down with a whimper, taking just 32 points from their 42 league fixtures.

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It came just two decades after the Busby Babes era that saw United establish themselves as a European powerhouse. They went on to secure an immediate top-flight return, winning the Second Division at the first time of asking.

Juventus (2006)

Juventus weren't relegated because of their results on the pitch, but rather as part of one of the biggest scandals to have ever rocked European football.

They was implicated in the infamous Calciopoli saga, a major investigation into alleged sporting fraud involving several Italian clubs.

As a result, Juventus were relegated to Serie B for the first time in their history and stripped of their Serie A title in 2004/05. The unusual sight of world-class players like Pavel Nedved and Giorgio Chiellini appearing in the second division became a bizarre reality.

Newcastle (2009)

The Magpies dropped out of the Premier League for the first time in 20 years in what was one of the most shocking relegations in recent history.

Their chaotic campaign was marked by managerial turmoil with Kevin Keegan, Joe Kinnear and Chris Hughton trying and failing to keep them clear of the drop zone.

Alan Shearer was drafted in with eight games to go in a desperate roll of the dice, but the former England striker couldn't save them and they were relegated to the Championship.

River Plate (2011)

The unusual format of Argentina's top flight saw River Plate, one of the country's biggest clubs alongside Boca Juniors, relegated in 2011.

They were forced to face a relegation play-off, a fixture determined by a points average over the three previous campaigns.

River Plate were ultimately beaten by Belgrano over two legs, condemning them to the second tier for the first time in their 110-year history.

Villarreal (2012)

It's not often that you see a club competing in the Champions League go down in the same season, but that is exactly what happened to Villarreal back in 2012.

They finished fourth in La Liga the previous year but suffered a dramatic collapse, with three different managers failing to keep them up.

Villarreal were sent down in dramatic style on the final day of the season, with a late winner from Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao sealing their fate.

Schalke (2023)

Schalke, one of Germany's biggest and best-supported teams, sleepwalked towards relegation for several seasons but that didn't make their eventual demise any less shocking.

They failed to win any of their first 14 games and the club went through five different managers before dropping out of the Bundesliga for the first time in three decades.

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Schalke still haven't found their way back up and finished 14th out of 18 teams in Germany's second division last season. They are, however, currently top of the league and could finally return to the Bundesliga in 2026/27.

Sean Dyche has dismissed speculation linking him with the Tottenham managerial position. The 54-year-old has been without a club since leaving Nottingham Forest last month and has been connected with a remarkable comeback to management at troubled Spurs. The north London outfit sit 17th in the Premier League, merely one point and one position above 18th-placed West Ham, who occupy the dreaded bottom three.

And with Spurs unable to secure victory in any of their previous 13 top-flight fixtures, there is genuine fear that relegation could become a reality. Considering this and Igor Tudor's precarious situation, Dyche has been touted as the individual to arrive and rescue Tottenham while securing their Premier League status. Tudor was announced as Thomas Frank's successor in mid-February but has suffered a nightmare start to life in the dugout, collecting just one point from a potential 18.

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The Croatian, who has put pen to paper on a deal until the summer, has faced enormous scrutiny and Spurs are contemplating replacing their manager before the end of the international break, according to talkSPORT.

Should Spurs opt for change, Dyche is amongst the frontrunners to assume responsibility. And on Saturday, the former Everton and Burnley boss was questioned about the speculation surrounding him and the Tottenham role.

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In a special talkSPORT show with Jonny Owen, Dyche said: "I was in the pub just up the way, near my place that I've got down here. And this guy, he goes, 'You're meant to be in talks with Spurs'.

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"And I'm like, 'Well I'm sat next to you having a pint of Guinness.' So I said, 'It's unlikely.' I'm with you mate (Jonny Owen) and I'm on talkSPORT...that's what I'm doing."

Following his dismissal of the Tottenham rumours, Dyche discussed the managerial merry-go-round and being connected to numerous vacancies both domestically and abroad.

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Dyche continued: "You get clickbaited to death, don't you? So no matter what you do, it's a very tricky situation. You're right to ask for an inside view.

"When you're the manager, you know you're going to get asked these [questions] at some point, whatever part of your career, if you're doing all right.

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"And you get asked, and then you try and be respectful, because obviously, let's use Tottenham as an example - brilliant club, massive club and all the rest.

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"One of my first ever memories, is Ricky Villa's goal [in the 1981 FA Cup final] and all that. And then you go: 'Yeah, I'm flattered.' And then they go: 'Oh, he hasn't said no!'. Then you go: 'No'. And they go: 'Oh, he wants it, really?'

"And you say: 'Yes', and they go: 'Oh, I knew he'd want it'. "Whatever you say [people take the wrong way], because if you say: 'No, I'm not interested', it's as if he's got ideas above his station."

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Dyche's track record at Premier League level is commendable. Throughout his tenure in the division with Burnley, Everton and Forest, he has secured 99 victories and drawn 95 of his 350 top-tier matches from the dugout.

Tottenham Hotspur ace James Maddison is edging closer to recovery from his severe knee injury, sharing an update following his return to the pitch. The England international posted a series of photos during his rehabilitation process after undergoing surgery for a cruciate knee injury.

The 29-year-old has since progressed to the next phase of recovery and is back on the football pitch, taking shots at goal. Maddison's absence has been keenly felt this season as Spurs grapple with a fight to avoid Premier League relegation. The midfielder's comeback will offer a much-needed lift for the North London club in their bid to reverse their fortunes. In a social media post, the playmaker penned: "Session 6 months post ACL surgery. Working hard to be back.

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"Video of what it looks like out on Sunday at 6pm on my @youtube channel (link in bio)." Before his potentially season-ending injury, Maddison started documenting behind-the-scenes action at Tottenham, providing fans with a unique glimpse behind the curtain.

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Teasing the latest upload on his channel, the 29-year-old showcases footage from his time in the treatment room to running on the grass, culminating in shooting practice. Spurs interim manager Igor Tudor disclosed a positive injury update concerning Maddison.

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The Croatian suggested the possibility of the midfielder making a comeback before the campaign concludes. He said: "Yeah. Maddison is already doing interesting things as well, with the ball, sprinting as well. I saw him. He's positive."

With the international break now in progress, Tottenham will not continue their battle to escape relegation until 12th April, when they meet Sunderland. Maddison sustained the injury during their pre-season tour in Korea and hasn't featured competitively since May.

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At the time, Thomas Frank said: "I think it's disappointing but also devastating for me and mainly for Madders that he's out of the team. We will miss him and no doubt he will miss playing football."

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Maddison will be hoping to play a part in Tottenham's relegation run-in. Spurs have a difficult final seven matches with trips to the Black Cats, Aston Villa and Chelsea, as well as a showdown with Wolves, who are in the bottom three.

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