New head coach Roberto De Zerbi faces a massive challenge of keeping Tottenham up in the Premier League.
With Tottenham Hotspur hovering one point above the relegation zone and the short-lived reign of interim boss Igor Tudor, who picked up just a point across five games, the club have appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach on a five-year contract.
Roberto De Zerbi has been a free agent since parting ways with Marseille in February by mutual consent. Before that, he impressed during a two-season spell at Brighton and Hove Albion before falling out with the club board after demanding a bigger say in transfer strategy and more control in the market.
Regardless, Spurs have decided to put faith in the Italian tactician to not only ensure the club’s survival in the top flight but also rebuild the squad in the summer and beyond. It is worth noting that the five-year deal he has signed has no relegation clause, but includes a significant bonus for keeping the Lilywhites in the Premier League.
Former Spurs striker backs Roberto De Zerbi to keep the North Londoners in the Premier League
De Zerbi inherits a squad languishing in 17th place, just one point above the drop zone following an alarming run of form. Despite the high financial commitment and the absence of a relegation clause in his deal, the move is seen as a major statement of intent.
Former Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe, who has made his first venture into full-time management by taking the head coach role at National League side Woking, expressed his absolute conviction that De Zerbi is the right man to steer the North Londoners away from danger due to his past experience of managing in the Premier League.
“He’s someone that comes in with an unbelievable CV,” Jermain Defoe was quoted by ESPN FC.
“When you look at his playing style, as football fans, you have to appreciate and enjoy the way they play. I remember the [De Zerbi] Brighton team, watching Brighton play thinking, ‘wow, this is the right way to play football’.
“He’s going into a massive football club but he’s someone with a good CV and someone who backs himself.”
De Zerbi must hit the ground running at Tottenham
The 46-year-old’s experience in the Premier League, his exciting style of play and his tactical acumen made him Tottenham chiefs’ top choice. Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with a sensational return to N17, but members of the Lewis Family opted for De Zerbi as they felt he was a better option because of the fresh ideas he could bring to the table.
The Italian’s first game in charge of Tottenham will be against Sunderland on April 12. He has more than a week to prepare his boys for the big challenge away at Sunderland, who have enjoyed an impressive season on their return to the top flight.
With just seven games remaining, De Zerbi and Co. must hit the ground running and help Spurs get their first league win of 2026.