Sports Mole

Reported Tottenham Hotspur managerial target Roberto De Zerbi is facing backlash from several prominent supporter groups.

Spurs find themselves in a perilous position as they battle to preserve their Premier League status following a disastrous run under interim head coach Igor Tudor.

The Lilywhites, 17th in the Premier League table, have secured just one victory since the Croatian took charge, and speculation regarding another managerial change is intensifying as the season nears its conclusion.

With Tudor currently on leave following a personal tragedy, the North London club are reportedly evaluating potential successors to lead the survival mission.

However, a move for one high-profile candidate has already sparked significant backlash from several prominent supporter groups.

These organisations have voiced their displeasure amidst reports linking the former Marseille boss with the vacancy at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs fans unite against potential De Zerbi appointment

As reported by The Daily Mail, three major fan organisations, including Women of the Lane, Proud Lilywhites and Spurs Reach, have launched a 'No to Roberto De Zerbi' campaign.

The groups have expressed serious concerns regarding the Italian's previous defence of Mason Greenwood during their time together at Marseille.

De Zerbi's comments describing the forward as a "good guy" who had paid a "heavy price" have been viewed by many as downplaying violence against women.

Consequently, the supporters believe that hiring the former Brighton & Hove Albion boss would introduce an unnecessary cultural risk to the club.

The campaign groups insist that the manager sets the tone for the entire organisation and that De Zerbi's values do not align with those of the Spurs community.

Cultural values at stake amid Spurs' relegation struggle

The protest highlights a growing divide between the club's board and a fanbase that prioritises institutional values over short-term results.

While De Zerbi is regarded as a high-calibre coach with significant Premier League experience, his willingness to defend Greenwood has made him a divisive figure.

Spurs currently sit just one point above the bottom three, and any new appointment must unite a fractured community ahead of crucial fixtures in their run-in, two of which include matches against Chelsea and Aston Villa.

It will be interesting to see if the hierarchy decide that the tactical benefits of hiring the Italian outweigh the potential damage to the club's stated commitments to inclusion and respect.

Tottenham Hotspur are in danger of watching their season unravel completely, with uncertainty in the dugout becoming just as damaging as performances on the pitch.

Ever since the departure of Ange Postecoglou last summer, the north London outfit have struggled to find stability, with interim boss Igor Tudor failing to steady the ship during a turbulent interim spell.

With relegation now a genuine concern and key decisions looming, Spurs’ hierarchy are under mounting pressure to get their next managerial appointment absolutely right.

Tottenham could turn to Sean Dyche amid Roberto De Zerbi update

Reports now suggest that Tottenham could turn to Sean Dyche as a short-term solution if their pursuit of former Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi continues to stall.

De Zerbi remains the club’s preferred long-term option, but the Italian is reluctant to step into a relegation battle so late in the season, instead favouring a move in the summer.

That leaves Spurs in a difficult position.

Tudor is under pressure after a poor run of results, and the club may need an immediate fix. Dyche’s reputation for organising struggling sides and avoiding the drop makes him a logical, if uninspiring, candidate.

However, even Dyche may be hesitant to accept a short-term role with so much uncertainty surrounding the club’s direction.

There's an argument to be made that if Spurs are to be made to wait, then there are much more suitable options than both the aforementioned out-of-work duo.

Sports Mole takes a look at three options who would be considerably better than either Dyche or De Zerbi.

Three managers who Spurs should target instead

If Tottenham are serious about rebuilding rather than merely surviving, they should aim higher than short-term, stop-gap solutions or managers already holding doubts.

Andoni Iraola

A modern and high-energy tactician, Andoni Iraola has built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most impressive overachievers with AFC Bournemouth.

Despite limited resources and the departure of key players, he has transformed the Cherries into a competitive, well-drilled side pushing towards the top half, merely highlighting his ability to improve players without major spending.

His vertically aggressive, high-intensity style has drawn widespread praise, while his work with emerging talents mirrors Tottenham’s long-standing focus on youth development.

Crucially, Iraola has shown resilience and adaptability, keeping his side competitive through periods of transition, which is exactly the sort of qualities Spurs currently lack.

Oliver Glasner

Oliver Glasner would offer Tottenham something they have sorely missed - a proven winner with a clear tactical structure.

At Crystal Palace, he made an immediate impact by delivering silverware and securing European football, raising the club’s ceiling in a remarkably short time.

Known for his organised pressing systems and defensive discipline, Glasner would bring much-needed stability to a Spurs side that has looked chaotic for long stretches.

His previous success with Eintracht Frankfurt, which includes a Europa League triumph, underlines his ability to thrive in high-pressure environments, while his development of players like Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi further aligns with Spurs' recruitment model.

Mauricio Pochettino

The emotional, and arguably most logical, choice remains Mauricio Pochettino - and he would love to return.

During his previous spell in north London, he oversaw the Spurs' most successful modern era, delivering consistent top-four finishes and a run to the Champions League final.

More importantly, he built a clear identity. Players such as Harry Kane, Heung-min Son and Dele Alli flourished under his guidance, reflecting his ability to develop talent and foster belief.

With Spurs once again fractured, Pochettino’s man-management and connection with supporters could provide immediate stability, which is something no short-term appointment or uncertain long-term gamble can guarantee.

Tottenham Hotspur have endured a frustrating campaign on multiple fronts, with injuries playing a major role in their misfortune.

Few absences have been felt more than that of Dejan Kulusevski, who has been sidelined for an extended period with a serious knee issue that has kept him out of action far longer than initially expected.

However, there are now signs of encouragement, with the Sweden international now offering a fresh and notably positive update on his recovery.

What has Spurs star Dejan Kulusevski said about his injury?

Speaking during a recent interview, via Sky Sports, Kulusevski moved to reassure supporters after concerns were raised over his condition.

The winger revealed that a recent minor procedure has actually helped resolve the underlying issue, describing the development as “really positive” after months of uncertainty.

Kulusevski admitted that he can now “see the light” at the end of his recovery, adding that his knee is finally starting to feel right again as he works his way back to full fitness.

Encouragingly, he has even set his sights on representing Sweden national football team at this summer’s World Cup, underlining his belief that a return to action is not far away.

Dejan Kulusevski approaching one year since last Spurs appearance

It has been a long and frustrating road for the 25-year-old, who has not featured for Spurs since May last year.

What initially appeared to be a routine setback quickly escalated into a serious knee problem, eventually requiring surgery on his patella following a challenge involving Marc Guehi.

While an initial return date around December was floated, repeated delays have left Kulusevski watching from the sidelines for nearly a full year - a period that has understandably tested both his patience and the club’s attacking depth.

Does Dejan Kulusevski have a future at Spurs?

At this stage, Kulusevski’s future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium feels increasingly uncertain.

On one hand, his quality is undeniable, and if he returns to full fitness, he could still play a major role under Igor Tudor or any future manager, but on the other, a lack of minutes, ongoing fitness concerns, and wider uncertainty around the club’s direction - including which division they may be competing in - leaves his long-term role far from guaranteed.

For now, the focus will simply be on getting back onto the pitch, but once he does, both player and club may soon face a defining decision about what comes next.

Arsenal Women will lock horns with local rivals Tottenham Hotspur Women in Saturday's North London derby at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners head into the weekend in fourth spot in the Women's Super League table, while Spurs are six points adrift in fifth position.

Match preview

Arsenal have put together a 10-game winning run in all competitons since losing to Manchester United in the League Cup semi-finals in January.

Their impressive run of results includes two wins in their triumphant FIFA Women's Champions Cup campaign and two victories in their Women's Champions League knockout playoff tie against Leuven, which set up an all-English quarter-final clash against Chelsea.

Arsenal have the upper hand in that tie after claiming a 3-1 victory in Tuesday's first leg at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to efforts from Stina Blackstenius, Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo.

They will try to defend that lead in Wednesday's return fixture at Stamford Bridge, but first, they will turn their focus back to their bid to secure European qualification for next season.

Having won 10, drawn five and lost one of their 16 league matches, Renee Slegers's side are sitting in fourth spot in the WSL table, with two games in hand over Chelsea and Man United, who are two points and three points better off in third and second place respectively.

Arsenal, who are unbeaten in 11 top-flight matches, are one of two teams yet to lose at home in the WSL this season, having won five and drawn three of their eight matches on home turf.

Meanwhile, Tottenham's hopes of a top-three finish have disappeared with four defeats in their last five top-flight outings.

In fact, Spurs have suffered back-to-back losses since pulling off a 7-3 away league win over Aston Villa and beating London City Lionesses on penalties in the FA Cup.

Martin Ho's charges fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat at home to Everton in the first game back from the international break, before goals from Olivia Holdt and Bethany England proved fruitless in last Saturday's 5-2 loss to leaders Man City.

While they are now eight points adrift of the top three, the fifth-placed can still be pleased with the progress they have made this term, as demonstrated by the fact that they have already collected nine more points than the 20-point tally they finished with last season.

Spurs will still be driven by the chance to dent Arsenal's top-three hopes, even if they may already have one eye on their FA Cup quarter-final clash against Chelsea on April 6.

Tottenham, who held Arsenal to a goalless draw in November, are bidding to claim their first-ever away victory over their local rivals in the WSL, with their only previous win taking place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in December 2023.

However, achieving that feat will prove tricky for a team that have won just one of their 11 WSL road trips this season (D5, L5).

Arsenal Women Women's Super League form:

W D W W W W

Arsenal Women form (all competitions):

W W W W W W

Tottenham Hotspur Women Women's Super League form:

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Tottenham Hotspur Women form (all competitions):

W L W W L L

Team News

Arsenal remain without the services of long-term absentees Manuela Zinsberger and Katie Reid.

Defender Leah Williamson is a doubt after missing the last two matches with a hamstring issue.

The Australian trio of Caitlin Foord, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Steph Catley are available after returning from the Asian Cup.

As for the visitors, they are unable to call upon Luana Buhler, Amy James-Turner, Ella Morris, Maite Oroz and Jessica Naz.

Australia international Clare Hunt has undergone surgery after she sustained a knee injury at the Asian Cup.

Maika Hamano, who scored the winner for Japan in last weekend's final against Australia, will be available for selection alongside her international teammate Toko Koga.

Arsenal Women possible starting lineup:

Borbe; Fox, Wubben-Moy, Catley, McCabe; Maanum, Little, Caldentey; Kelly, Foord, Russo

Tottenham Hotspur Women possible starting lineup:

Kop; Wijk, Koga, Bartrip, Nilden; Hamano, Summanen, Gaupset, Vinberg; Holdt, England

We say: Arsenal Women 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur Women

Arsenal will have to quickly recover from their midweek exertions in the Women's Champions League, but while there may be some tiredness in the squad, we still believe the Gunners will have the extra quality required to see off their local rivals on Saturday.

Randal Kolo Muani has reportedly informed parent club Paris Saint-Germain of his wish to secure a permanent move to Juventus this summer.

Kolo Muani, currently at Tottenham Hotspur for the 2025-26 season, has struggled for consistency amid the North Londoners' broader challenges with performances and results.

Spurs currently sit just above the relegation zone following a disastrous run of form that has left them winless in 11 league matches.

Interim head coach Igor Tudor has struggled to inspire a turnaround since his arrival four weeks ago, with the squad appearing devoid of confidence during the survival scrap.

Amid the ongoing turmoil at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Kolo Muani is understood to be planning for life away from the Premier League.

Kolo Muani 'confirms' desire for Juventus return

According to football.london, the 27-year-old Frenchman has no interest in staying at the struggling Premier League side beyond this season.

Kolo Muani's preference is believed to be Juventus, where he previously enjoyed a successful loan spell in Turin, recording 10 goals in 22 appearances, a stark contrast to his recent struggles in England.

Since joining Spurs on temporary terms, the Frenchman has managed just five goals in 33 matches across all competitions, with only one strike coming in the top flight.

Juventus are believed to have attempted an early termination of his current loan in January, but PSG are now holding out for a significant permanent fee.

What next for Spurs' struggling frontline?

How the potential departure of a high-profile loanee will impact the club’s recruitment strategy, should they manage to maintain their top-flight status, is still uncertain.

The Spurs hierarchy are expected to demand a specialist replacement to partner Richarlison or Dominic Solanke, especially as the future of the managerial hotseat remains unresolved during the international break.

With PSG aiming to recoup a large portion of the £76.4m spent on Kolo Muani, a deal with the Italian giants may depend on the final valuation.

Regardless, the Lilywhites must prioritise securing immediate points before addressing the long-term makeup of a squad that has underperformed significantly throughout the current campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly stepped up their interest in Adi Hutter as their search for a long-term manager continues.

The North Londoners currently have Igor Tudor in interim charge, but his position at the club is uncertain following a poor run of form.

Tudor was brought in by Spurs to steady the ship following the dismissal of Thomas Frank last month, but the 47-year-old has failed to make the desired impact and there have subsequently been rumours of him facing the sack.

Tottenham are still searching for their first Premier League win of 2026 and find themselves in serious danger of relegation as they sit 17th in the table, hovering just one point above the bottom three with seven games remaining.

Tudor has lost five of his seven games in charge of Spurs (W1 D1) and the most damaging of all came last weekend when his side suffered a 3-0 home defeat to relegation-threatened rivals Nottingham Forest, who have leapfrogged the Lilywhites in the table.

After the match, Tudor did not carry out his media duties after he was informed of the passing of his father, so assistant coach Bruno Salter stepped in and insisted that the Spurs hierarchy retain the full support of the current coaching team.

Tottenham sound out Hutter as Tudor exit rumours intensify

However, football.london claims that there is a growing belief that a mutual agreement over Tudor’s exit is the most likely eventuality, with the club keen to be sensitive to the Croatian’s situation during this difficult period following his father’s death.

A parting of ways would allow Tudor to focus on family matters, while Tottenham can focus fully on their bid to avoid relegation under a new coach, who they would hope can provide a much-needed manager bounce.

According to French news outlet L’Equipe, Spurs have already held talks with former Monaco boss Hutter over their managerial position, though no agreement has been finalised at this stage.

This comes after reports emerged earlier this week claiming that the 56-year-old – without Premier League experience – had become a serious candidate to take the reins at Spurs.

Hutter has been out of work since he was sacked by Ligue 1 side Monaco in October last year, leaving with 51.61% win ratio across a two-and-a-half-year spell in France.

The Austrian had previously amassed over 200 games as a manager in his homeland with Rheindorf Altach, SV Grodig and Red Bull Salzburg, before gaining experience in the German Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Monchengladbach.

Hutter is not the only name believed to be on Tottenham’s managerial radar, as Roberto De Zerbi, Marco Rose, Edin Terzic and former boss Mauricio Pochettino have also been linked with the North London club.

Tottenham Hotspur attacker Dejan Kulusevski has explained that his recent limp was due to small 'intervention' and is not a major cause for concern.

The former Juventus attacker has not made a single appearance for the Lilywhites this season due to a serious knee injury, which he sustained in a home defeat to Crystal Palace towards the end of the 2024-25 season.

Neither Thomas Frank nor Igor Tudor have been able to put a definitive timeframe on Kulusevski's rehabilitation, and there is no guarantee that he will play a single minute of the current campaign.

Kulusevski is unsurprisingly not being considered for international selection as a result, although he did visit the Sweden training camp ahead of his nation's World Cup 2026 Qualifying playoff semi-final with Ukraine.

However, the attacker sparked fresh concern when it was reported that he was seen limping on the training fields, although he has now taken to social media to quell those fears.

Tottenham's Dejan Kulusevski explains recent 'limp'

On an Instagram story, Kulusevski posted a photo of himself seemingly on an exercise bike in a gymnasium, with the caption: "Just to clarify things.

"I'm limping because I had a small intervention in the knee two weeks ago. Went in and took out what was not supposed to be there. Knee is great now. Thanks for all the support. God is the greatest. Always."

While Kulusevski's post suggest that the 25-year-old has not suffered a setback in his recovery, it remains to be seen if he will return to action to help Spurs in their relegation battle before the campaign comes to a close.

The Scandinavian quickly became a fan favourite at Tottenham upon his initial loan arrival from Juventus in early 2022 and has now recorded 25 goals and 30 assists in 146 appearances for the Lilywhites across all competitions.

Kulusevski's contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium runs for another two seasons, but whether he will stick around if the Lilywhites suffer a catastrophic relegation is another question entirely.

When will Tottenham's other injured players return?

Kulusevski is one of three long-term knee victims in the Tottenham infirmary, the other two being James Maddison and Wilson Odobert, both on the way back from severe ACL injuries.

Maddison is already working with the ball and sprinting on the training fields, so the Englishman has a slim chance of returning before the season ends, but the same cannot be said for Odobert.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Kudus and Rodrigo Bentancur could return from their thigh problems at some point in April, and the same goes for Ben Davies (ankle) and Guglielmo Vicario (hernia).

Tottenham Hotspur winger Dejan Kulusevski has reportedly been seen limping, raising fresh concerns over his ongoing injury problems.

The 25-year-old has not featured this season after undergoing patella surgery last May, and no clear timeline has been provided for his return.

Kulusevski contributed 10 goals and 11 assists across all competitions last season and was a key figure under Ange Postecoglou, but has now been sidelined for more than 10 months.

The winger recently visited the Sweden national football team camp on Wednesday ahead of their World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine.

According to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, Kulusevski was spotted limping on the training pitch, a development that is likely to worry Spurs supporters.

Dejan Kulusevski injury: Will he return to action this season?

© Imago

Previous comments from Thomas Frank revealed that the player received an injection in December, while updates on his recovery have remained limited.

There are also reports that Kulusevski has consulted renowned Barcelona-based knee specialist Ramon Cugat as concerns grow over the complexity of his injury.

During his absence, Tottenham have gone through three managers and currently sit 17th in the Premier League table with 30 points, battling to avoid relegation.

Kulusevski is said to be working hard to return before the end of the season and contribute to the survival fight, although interim boss Igor Tudor has not provided any recent update.

Tottenham's long injury list

© Imago

Spurs’ struggles have been compounded by a lengthy injury list, including Yves Bissouma, Ben Davies, Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur, Wilson Odobert, Kulusevski himself, and James Maddison.

Mathys Tel also sustained a groin injury during the 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest and has withdrawn from the France national under-21 squad.

Maddison, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United, could reportedly return towards the end of the campaign.

Tudor has also indicated that Kudus and Bentancur are progressing well and could rejoin the squad in the coming weeks.

Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that he "misses the football scene in England", amid speculation linking him with a return to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Argentine is currently preparing to lead USA - one of three host nations - at the 2026 World Cup.

With the tournament featuring 48 teams, there is potential for Pochettino and the Stars and Stripes to still be participating in the competition heading into July.

Nevertheless, at a time when Igor Tudor is struggling to make an impact at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, reports persist that Pochettino could emerge as a long-term alternative to the Croatian.

That may be dependent on whether Spurs remain in England's top flight, the North Londoners currently sitting just one point above the Premier League relegation zone.

Pochettino fuels Spurs return talk

Speaking in an interview with L'Equipe, Pochettino has admitted that he misses Premier League football and living in England.

Pochettino went as far as saying that the division is the "ideal place" to be a manager.

He said: "I miss the football scene in England. I love the country, its culture, the football culture.

"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."

© Imago

Are comments a come-and-get-me plea?

Despite his focus being on guiding USA to a successful World Cup campaign, Pochettino's contract expiring after the tournament means that he naturally must assess his options.

The majority of Spurs supporters would love to see Pochettino, who took charge of 293 matches between 2014 and 2019, back in the dugout.

At a time when short and long-term options are being linked with Spurs, Pochettino may feel the need to hint that he is interested in a return to North London.

In this instance, though, he may have just been giving an honest answer, given that he has spent eight years of his career in the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur youngster Mathys Tel has reportedly had to withdraw from the France Under-21s squad with the injury he picked up over the weekend.

The former Bayern Munich youngster, who has become a fan favourite for Spurs in recent weeks amid their disastrous plight, was forced off with an apparent groin problem in Sunday's 3-0 Premier League loss to Nottingham Forest.

Assistant manager Bruno Saltor - filling in for Igor Tudor after the Croatian's family bereavement - told the media after the game that Tel would need assessing to see if he could link up with the French youth team.

Les Bleuets face Iceland and Luxembourg in Under-21 Euros qualifiers later this month, but according to L'Equipe, Tel has been forced to withdraw from the squad for the March international break.

Tottenham's Mathys Tel pulls out of France squad with injury

Tel - who was replaced by compatriot Randal Kolo Muani in Sunday's loss to Forest - is said to have 'done everything he could' to make himself fit for the Under-21s fixtures and arrived earlier this week for training.

Tel was present on both Monday and Tuesday and even took part in some small-sided drills with Manchester United's Leny Yoro earlier today, as well as undergoing some light jogging activities.

However, the decision was taken following Tuesday's training session that Tel was not fit enough to represent his country, and Lens' Rayan Fofana will take his place in the Bleuets' ranks.

The 20-year-old will now return to Tottenham for further assessment, with the aim of returning in time for Spurs' first fixture back, which does not come until April 12 against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Tel has accrued three goals and one assist from 31 appearances in a Tottenham shirt during the 2025-26 season and has started each of Spurs' last three games in the Premier League.

Tottenham's injury situation assessed after Mathys Tel blow

Tottenham have been navigating a double-figure absentee list for a large portion of the campaign, although Tudor's fitness crisis had eased in recent weeks with the returns of Lucas Bergvall, Pedro Porro and Kevin Danso.

However, Tel is still one of nine Tottenham players currently in the care of the doctors, a list that now includes number one goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who will undergo hernia surgery this week.

There is also no timeframe on Yves Bissouma's recovery from a muscle issue, while Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Wilson Odobert are likely all out for the season.

Mohammed Kudus and Rodrigo Bentancur could both return from their thigh injuries at some point next month, though, and the same goes for Ben Davies, working his way back from ankle surgery.