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Tottenham manager candidate left Arsenal star 'humiliated' and desperate to leave club

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Tottenham manager candidate left Arsenal star 'humiliated' and desperate to leave club - The Mirror
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Tottenham Hotspur have explored a number of managerial candidates as they look for a new boss to replace Igor Tudor

Former Brighton and Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi is among the contenders to take over at Tottenham Hotspur and the Italian already has history with one of rival side Arsenal's senior stars. De Zerbi had a run-in with Leandro Trossard when the pair were together at the Amex Stadium and it ultimately led to the Belgian trading Brighton for Arsenal.

De Zerbi, who left Marseille earlier this season, is one of the managers in the mix to replace Igor Tudor and is now reported to be open to joining immediately. Ex-Juventus boss Tudor lasted just seven games at Spurs - taking one point from five league outings - before leaving by mutual agreement.

Italian boss De Zerbi got a bit more time than that at each of his last two clubs, taking charge of 69 games at Marseille and 89 at Brighton. He left the English club at the end of the 2023/24, more than a year after a falling-out with Trossard which effectively ended the former Genk star's time on the south coast.

In January 2023, De Zerbi claimed Trossard left a training session without permission after being told he wouldn't feature in the third round of the FA Cup. The forward would end up never playing for the club again, joining Arsenal later that same month, though Trossard disputed the manager's version of events.

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"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 joined Arsenal for up to £27million on January 20, helping the London club run Manchester City close in the title race. Regarding De Zerbi's assertions about that training session, though, the player's agent gave a rather different account of what happened.

"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 season went well for De Zerbi and Brighton, who recorded their best ever Premier League finish of sixth. They spent the majority of the following season in the top half but eventually finished 11th, with their manager's exit confirmed just days before the end of the campaign.

Trossard recently brought up three years as an Arsenal player, having agreed improved terms in August last year. He played his 150th match for the London club this season and has scored five league goals this season to help them sit in pole position in the title race with just seven games to go.

Rivals Tottenham, in contrast, are just one point clear of the relegation places. De Zerbi had reportedly been reluctant to take the manager's job at the club until the summer but recent reports indicate his stance has softened.

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Five managers Spurs could appoint as Igor Tudor leaves after 44 days in charge

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Five managers Spurs could appoint as Igor Tudor leaves after 44 days in charge - The Mirror
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Tottenham Hotspur are on the lookout for their third manager of the season after the exit of Igor Tudor and there are a number of directions that the North London side could go in

Tottenham Hotspur now need to appoint yet another new manager after the exit of Igor Tudor. The Croatian was only appointed earlier this year following Thomas Frank’s dismal spell at the helm.

But Tudor fared even worse, with the North London side now firmly in the relegation mire with just seven games to go of the season. And Spurs chiefs have a fair bit of time to think, with the international break having brought Premier League action to a brief pause.

There are already a number of options being considered, with both long-term and interim appointments potential possibilities.

But who could actually be the man to take the reins? Mirror Football takes a look at a few potential options:

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Roberto De Zerbi

The man that Spurs seem to want as their full-term manager is former Brighton and Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian impressed during his time in the Premier League and continued his eye-catching work in France.

De Zerbi only left Marseille in February so would be free to return to work. But he has made it clear that he only wants to take over in the summer, while a few supporter groups have issued less than warm responses to the prospect of him taking over. So his appointment might actually be more complicated than first thought.

Adi Hutter

Another European coach who has admirers is Austrian tactician Adi Hutter. The 56-year-old has caught the eye over recent seasons with Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Monchengladbach and Monaco.

He has been out of work since October, having left the latter after just over two years in charge. Reports have suggested that talks have already taken place between Spurs and Hutter over the past few days. Whether discussions ramp up now Tudor has left remains to be seen, but Hutter is certainly an option.

Sean Dyche

Another name to have been linked is former Burnley, Everton and Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche. Reports suggested that Spurs were willing to make a move for Dyche on a temporary basis.

He was recently asked about the job and appeared to pour cold water on any prospect of him being appointed. That stance could potentially change now that Tudor has officially left.

Ryan Mason

If Spurs want to appoint a man that’s done the job before, then they need to look no further than Ryan Mason.

He was appointed after Jose Mourinho’s sacking in 2019 and led Spurs to four wins from seven games. Mason was then entrusted with the role two years later.

The former midfielder remains out of work following a less than inspiring stint with Championship side West Bromwich Albion.

Robbie Keane

Another name that needs little introduction to Spurs fans, their former forward was also linked with a return immediately after Frank’s sacking. Keane is currently impressing with Hungarian giants Ferencvaros, where he has claimed the league title.

Keane has also had a spell with Maccabi Tel Aviv, as well as coaching roles with Leeds, Middlesbrough and the Republic of Ireland.

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Tottenham to act quickly in manager search as two frontrunners emerge after Igor Tudor exit

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Tottenham to act quickly in manager search as two frontrunners emerge after Igor Tudor exit - The Mirror
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Tottenham expect to appoint a new manager before their next Premier League clash against Sunderland with two early frontrunners for the post

Igor Tudor has left Tottenham after his disastrous six-week reign in charge. And Spurs now expect to have their next manager in place for their next Premier League game in charge at Sunderland on April 12.

Tottenham are believed to be looking on the continent with former Brighton and Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi the strong early bookies’ favourite.

Austrian coach Adi Hutter, who most recently managed Monaco, has also been linked with the job. But former Everton and Burnley boss Sean Dyche is not in the frame having also publicly ruled himself out of the running to replace Tudor.

They are looking for a manager to help them stay up and have gone down the stats and foreign path in terms of recruitment.

Bruno Saltor will lead training for those not on international duty but they are expecting to make an appointment in the coming days.

That points to why Tudor has gone now with the club saying it was by mutual consent just a week after Tottenham lost to Nottingham Forest which leaves them just a point above the drop zone.

Tudor failed to win any of his Premier League games in charge and his appointment backfired in spectacular fashion.

They delayed taking any action as the club announced after the Forest game that Tudor’s father had passed away and issued their condolences.

Spurs turned to Tudor, 47, after dismissing Thomas Frank last month, with the club in a perilous position in the Premier League.

With Tottenham out of action until their game away to Sunderland on Sunday, April 12, both the club and Tudor have made the decision to part ways.

In a statement posted on the club's social media channels, Spurs said: "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."

Tudor lost his first five games in charge of Spurs before he briefly stopped the rot with a draw against Liverpool and victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

However, the latter result wasn't enough to send them through to the quarter-finals, leaving Premier League survival as their sole focus.

The decision leaves Tottenham looking for their fourth manager in less than a year. Spurs sacked Ange Postecoglou last summer, despite winning the Europa League.

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Igor Tudor leaves Tottenham after six weeks amid dreadful form and sad family death

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Igor Tudor leaves Tottenham after six weeks amid dreadful form and sad family death - The Mirror
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Tottenham have announced that interim manager Igor Tudor has the left club via mutual consent. His final game proved to be last Sunday's chastening 3-0 defeat at home to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest.

Spurs turned to Tudor, 47, after dismissing Thomas Frank last month, with the club in a perilous position in the Premier League. But the former Juventus boss was unable to halt the club's slide, with Tottenham now just a point and place above the relegation zone.

Sunday's loss to Forest - who started the afternoon below them in the table - has turned out to be the final straw. The Croatian didn't speak to the media post-match, having been informed shortly after the full-time whistle that his father, Mario, had sadly passed away.

With Tottenham out of action until their game away to Sunderland on Sunday, April 12, both the club and Tudor have made the decision to part ways. In a statement posted on the club's social media channels, Spurs said: "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.

"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."

Tudor lost his first five games in charge of Tottenham before he briefly stopped the rot with a draw against Liverpool and victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. However, the latter result wasn't enough to send them through to the quarter-finals, leaving Premier League survival as their sole focus.

The decision leaves Spurs looking for their fourth manager in less than a year. Tottenham sacked Ange Postecoglou last summer, despite winning the Europa League.

Who should Tottenham appoint? Let us know your pick in the comments section.

Frank was quickly recruited from Brentford, but he endured a torrid time in North London before he was relieved of his duties. It remains to be seen whether Spurs will make another temporary appointment like with Tudor, who arrived with a reputation for saving crisis-ridden clubs in Italy.

Roberto De Zerbi is the early favourite, with the former Brighton boss currently out of work after being sacked by Marseille. Ex-Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is also sure to be in the frame, although he's otherwise engaged until the summer as he takes charge of World Cup co-hosts the United States.

Sean Dyche is a short-term option, having been dismissed by Forest last month. Austrian coach Adi Hutter, who most recently managed Monaco, has also been linked.

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GK Barry forced apology to Tottenham with controversial comment before BBC cameo

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GK Barry forced apology to Tottenham with controversial comment before BBC cameo - The Mirror
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GK Barry found herself at the centre of controversy, including a comment that forced an apology to Tottenham

GK Barry's comment about Tottenham Hotspur led the Women's Super League to issue an apology to the club. The popular internet personality is set to appear on Michael McIntyre's The Wheel on BBC One on Saturday alongside the likes of Chris McCausland, Gabby Logan and Iain Stirling.

She sparked controversy last year while conducting the Women's League Cup quarter-final and semi-final draws. The 26-year-old, real name Grace Keeling, carried out the live draw alongside her partner, Portsmouth attacking midfielder Ella Rutherford, with it being broadcast on WSL Football's TikTok page.

However, her behaviour landed her in hot water after making several crude jokes, including a comment about Tottenham. An apology from the WSL was issued to the north London club following the controversial draw.

She also drew a ball from the bag, only to drop it back in accidentally, then removed it once more to be used as part of the official draw. When pulling out a ball with Tottenham's name on it, Grace asked the viewers: "What do we think of Tottenham?"

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The comment was in reference to the anti-Spurs chant sung by Arsenal supporters. An adjudicator was present at the draw and confirmed that the ball she took out for a second time - which revealed the home side in the first semi-final - was the same ball she dropped.

WSL Football later confirmed that if the number hadn't been the same, her blunder would have necessitated the draw being restarted. She has become a mainstay of reality television in the UK, having appeared on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2024.

In the same year, she joined Loose Women, becoming the youngest regular panel member in the ITV show's 25-year history. Following the WSL incident, she received support from her Loose Women colleague Denise Welch on Instagram.

Responding to a video about the criticism she and her partner faced, Welch said: "For goodness sake!!! Don't book Grace then!!!

"It's exactly what she does. She's never going to be a regular football pundit!! It's like booking Alan Carr and complaining he was too camp!!!"

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Tottenham fan groups launch campaign to STOP Roberto De Zerbi becoming manager

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Tottenham fan groups launch campaign to STOP Roberto De Zerbi becoming manager - The Mirror
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Tottenham are considering another managerial change with Roberto De Zerbi on their radar, but several fan groups have come together to oppose a move for the ex-Brighton boss

Three Tottenham supporters' groups have released a joint statement opposing the possible appointment of Roberto De Zerbi, who has been touted as the first choice should Igor Tudor be relieved of his duties.

The north Londoners are without a Premier League win in 2026 and their Croatian boss has not has the desired effect, leading to talk of him being dismissed after a little over six weeks in the job. The 3-0 loss at home to Nottingham Forest left Tottenham just one point above the relegation zone.

As Tottenham's bosses consider a change, De Zerbi - who has impressed previously at Brighton - is seen as the ideal candidate. But his previous comments on Mason Greenwood, whom he managed at Marseille, have been cited as a serious red flag.

As a result, fan groups have united in a 'No to Roberto De Zerbi campaign' as they believe his feelings towards Greenwood would damage the club's culture. The ex-Manchester United star was arrested on suspicion of rape, assault, and coercive and controlling behaviour - but the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges.

When he moved to Marseille, following his exit from Manchester, De Zerbi claimed that he was “good guy” but had paid a “heavy price” and that he "knew a totally different person than the one who was described.”

Those comments haven't been forgotten by a number of Tottenham's supporters - who believe he belittled the allegations against Greenwood.

Women of the Lane said in their statement: "Clubs signal their values through the decisions they make. Who they appoint matters. The manager sets the tone, every day, for what is expected, what is tolerated, and how people are treated. At a time when Spurs needs to rebuild, that culture matters as much as anything on the pitch.

"For many in our community, this is difficult to reconcile with the club's stated commitments to respect, safety and inclusion. This is not an appointment Tottenham Hotspur should make. It introduces unnecessary cultural risk without a clear, proven track record to justify it."

Proud Lilywhites, another of the groups involved in the campaign, said: "When someone in that position publicly defends a player like Mason Greenwood, and frames it in a way that downplays the seriousness of what happened, it matters, not just in isolation but in what it signals."

Spurs Reach said on De Zerbi: "Regardless of intent, framing of this nature risks normalising harmful attitudes, diminishing the experiences of survivors, and sending a deeply concerning message about what is tolerated within the game."

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Tottenham woes continue as top target turns them down during manager search

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Tottenham woes continue as top target turns them down during manager search - The Mirror
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Tottenham have endured a miserable season this term with change expected in both the boardroom and the dugout in north London amid growing fears over relegation

Tottenham have seen their attempts to appoint a new sporting director fall by the wayside, with their top target having turned the north London side down.

Spurs have endured a miserable Premier League campaign this term. They sit 17th in the table and just one point above the relegation zone with seven games of the season remaining. Spurs face a real threat of dropping into the Championship at the end of the campaign.

And while the battle to avoid relegation goes on, club chiefs are attempting to complete a mass overhaul behind the scenes. Spurs are still on the hunt for a new sporting director following the exit of Italian chief Fabio Paratici.

Former Crystal Palace and current Al-Diriyah director Dougie Freedman had been identified as a potential option but according to The Independent, he has turned down a move to north London.

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The club’s new sporting director is expected to have a big say on the next manager at the club. Igor Tudor has had a disappointing impact at the club after replacing Thomas Frank, albeit Alan Shearer recently claimed that the Croatian should not take the majority of the blame.

Speaking to Betfair, the Newcastle icon said: "It's not Igor Tudor's fault, but obviously, he's picked up one point from five games, but the club was a mess before he got there.

"You're not going to be put in his situation without the club being in a mess. As tough as it is, he hasn't been able to have an impact on the squad and on the football club. Now, clearly, he's going through a terrible, horrible time off the pitch in terms of the death of his father. It's an impossible time for him and Spurs are in a deep mess."

While Spurs will continue their search for a new sporting director, there could yet be more change in the dugout before the end of the season. Reports have suggested that the club would be willing to move for former Burnley, Everton and Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche until the end of the campaign.

It is further detailed that Spurs would only turn to him should their long-term target, Roberto De Zerbi, not be willing to take the role until the end of the season. Dyche has been out of work since leaving Forest in February.

Tottenham are next back in action next weekend as they take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

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Tottenham 'consider' Sean Dyche move as Igor Tudor announcement timeline emerges

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Tottenham 'consider' Sean Dyche move as Igor Tudor announcement timeline emerges - The Mirror
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Sean Dyche is still being linked with potentially becoming the next manager of Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly putting a plan in place to potentially have Sean Dyche as their next manager until the end of the season. The update comes as speculation continues to swirl around Igor Tudor’s future at the club, having been appointed on a caretaker basis until the end of the campaign.

Spurs currently find themselves in 17th place in the Premier League table and are just one point above the relegation spots with just nine matches left to play.

As a result, there have been rumours that Tottenham could potentially look for another change of manager before the end of the season.

Dyche has been linked with the manager’s job at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the past, and now a fresh update suggests that there could still be interest in the former Everton and Burnley boss.

According to The Telegraph, Tottenham have lined up Dyche as a potential option to take charge of the club on an interim basis until the end of the season.

The report claims that Spurs could turn to Dyche if their No.1 candidate for the job, Roberto De Zerbi, does not want to take the job until the summer.

Dyche was last in work as manager of Nottingham Forest before his departure in February, and has experience of helping several clubs avoid relegation from the Premier League, including Everton and Burnley.

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De Zerbi’s last job saw him as manager of Marseille and has been linked with a return to the Premier League ever since his departure from the Ligue 1 club last month.

As well as being linked with the Tottenham manager’s job, De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential long-term appointment for Manchester United this summer.

It has been reported that Tottenham are lining up potential managerial targets in the event that Tudor does leave the club before Spurs return to the pitch.

The report also claims that Tottenham will make their final decision regarding Tudor’s future on Monday, although it has not been stated if this will be a departure or not.

Tudor's father passed away last weekend with the Croatian informed shortly after the 3-0 defeat to Forest on Sunday.

Tottenham are not back in action until April 12, when they will travel to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland as they look to move clear of the relegation places.

Spurs have seven Premier League matches left to play this season and could find themselves in the relegation zone by the time kick-off against Sunderland rolls around, if West Ham were to beat Wolves on April 10.

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Man Utd change their mind on Roberto De Zerbi as Tottenham target's next job becomes clear

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Man Utd change their mind on Roberto De Zerbi as Tottenham target's next job becomes clear - The Mirror
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Roberto De Zerbi has been heavily linked with the Manchester United job in recent months but it now seems unlikely he will take over at Old Trafford in the summer

Roberto De Zerbi is no longer believed to be in the running for the Manchester United job despite previously being shortlisted for the club's head coach vacancy.

The highly-rated Italian, 46, was always likely to be in demand this summer given the number of Premier League jobs up for grabs and the impressive body of work he built up at Brighton during his two years on the south coast. And following United's decision to sack Ruben Amorim at the start of January, De Zerbi has been strongly linked with the Old Trafford vacancy.

Michael Carrick has steadied the ship since taking charge until the end of the season and is now one of the contenders to land the head coach position on a permanent basis.

But De Zerbi will not be among them, with The i Paper reporting that his camp are under the impression that he is not currently a candidate to succeed Amorim.

The former Marseille chief is of serious interest to Tottenham, though. And his willingness to take the job now, rather than waiting until the end of the season despite Spurs' relegation fears, could see him beat Mauricio Pochettino to the job.

De Zerbi is said to be 'relishing' the prospect of taking over at Tottenham, who are just a point above the Premier League relegation zone. They could part company with their own interim boss, Igor Tudor, sooner than expected to facilitate a permanent appointment.

It emerged earlier this week that Manchester United have yet to engage with any prospective manager targets - a significant boost for Carrick, who has impressed since taking control in mid-January.

The former United and Tottenham midfielder has lost just one of the 10 matches he has overseen, winning seven of them to significantly enhance the Red Devils' prospects of securing Champions League qualification.

Sky Sports say that the powerbrokers at Manchester United are relaxed about the current managerial situation and are not planning to make a decision on their next move before the end of the season.

Oliver Glasner, who will leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season, Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola and Luis Enrique are among the coaches who have been linked with United in recent weeks.

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