The Mirror

Roberto De Zerbi has been appointed Tottenham's third manager of the season, with Spurs in danger of suffering their first relegation since 1977 - but he'll be sticking around come what may

New Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has vowed that he'll be in charge of Spurs next season 'no matter what'. De Zerbi, 46, has signed a five-year deal in North London but can't afford to waste time.

Tottenham are just one point above the relegation zone with seven games to play, explaining why the former Brighton boss has become their third manager of the season. Spurs recently parted ways with Igor Tudor, who succeeded Thomas Frank in February, after only five Premier League matches.

Initially, De Zerbi wanted to wait until the summer to take the job, but he was convinced otherwise during negotiations with the club hierarchy, who've made him one of the Premier League's highest-paid managers. It was presumed that the Italian wouldn't be willing to manage in the Championship, but comments in his first interview since being announced on Tuesday suggest not.

"I believe in the players, I think we have to remember who we are and who the players are, because we have very big players and we have to work on their confidence and their qualities," De Zerbi stated. "I signed a five-year contract because for me, it is a big challenge and I will be the coach of Tottenham next season no matter what."

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page

Those three words will bear weight if Spurs fail to avoid the drop and find themselves playing in the second tier for the first time in 48 years. De Zerbi's first game in charge is away to Sunderland next Sunday, and Tottenham are worrying still yet to win a Premier League match in 2026.

Come kick-off, they could be in the relegation zone. Nevertheless, their new boss is confident that he'll win enough games to steer them to safety.

"I am very happy to be here," De Zerbi added. "I consider Tottenham to be one of the most important clubs in the world and so I am very happy.

Will Tottenham get relegated? Give us your prediction in the comments section.

"I have a big responsibility, but it is a big challenge for me and I look forward to starting and working with the players, and to win some games. I have watched a lot of games, especially in the last period.

"I know very well the players, I love football, so I watch many, many games per week. I know everything, I know it is a tough moment for Tottenham but I think we have the right qualities to come out from this moment."

Roberto De Zerbi has responded to backlash from Tottenham supporters for his Mason Greenwood comments in November last year

Roberto De Zerbi has issued an apology for any offence caused by his past remarks about Mason Greenwood. The newly-appointed Tottenham head coach previously worked alongside Greenwood while in charge of Marseille before departing the club earlier this year.

His recent appointment in north London to succeed Igor Tudor prompted a furious response from supporters due to his past defence of Greenwood. The former Manchester United forward was charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour in 2022.

The following year, those charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service. Greenwood, who denied the charges, has since rebuilt his football career at Marseille and was a consistent starter under De Zerbi during the Belgian's spell in charge.

Last year, De Zerbi maintained Greenwood was a 'good guy' while claiming he had paid a 'heavy price' for the backlash he received after being charged.

Greenwood's transfer to Marseille in 2024 triggered significant controversy in France but De Zerbi stood by him throughout his time at the helm of the club. After being unveiled as Tottenham's new manager, he faced fierce criticism from multiple fan groups over his previous statements regarding Greenwood.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page

De Zerbi has now apologised, stating in his first interview as Spurs manager: "I have never wanted to downplay the issue of violence against women, or violence against anyone more broadly.

"In my life, I've always stood up for those who are more vulnerable, more fragile. I've consistently fought and taken a stand to be on the side of those who are most at risk.

"Those of you who know me well will know that I'm not the kind of person who makes compromises to win more games or to win an extra title. I'm sorry if I offended anyone's feeling with this subject matter.

"I have a daughter and I'm very sensitive to these things, and always have been. I hope that over time people will get to know me better and will understand that at that moment I didn't mean to take a stance."

De Zerbi had previously revealed he was 'saddened' by the manner in which Greenwood was depicted in England following his charge in 2022.

"He's a good guy, he paid a heavy price for what happened, a very heavy price," the former Marseille boss stated back in November.

"He has found the right environment for him. We have lent him a hand and given him affection. He's a little bit introverted but I know him and his family. It saddens me what happened in his life, because I know a totally different person than the one who was described in England."

Tottenham Supporters' Trust issue damning statement after Roberto De Zerbi appointment

Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust have issued a statement following the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as head coach, expressing serious concerns over his past comments about Mason Greenwood

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust claims that the club's decision to appoint Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach raises serious, far-reaching concerns. They highlight comments the former Marseille coach made last year about Mason Greenwood, who the French club signed from Manchester United weeks after appointing De Zerbi.

In October 2022, Greenwood was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, attempted rape and controlling and coercive behaviour. However, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges in February 2023.

They did so owing to "a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light". The CPS said that meant there was "no realistic prospect of conviction".

The Trust responded to Spurs' announcement of the appointment by releasing its own statement shortly afterwards. It began: "We note the Club's announcement of the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi to the Manager role.

"While we recognise the limited pool of managers with recent Premier League experience, and the need to act with urgency as Spurs face the prospect of relegation, this appointment raises serious and far-reaching concerns, and many fans have been in touch with us to urge us to communicate the strength of feeling. We raised these concerns directly with the Club prior to its announcement.

"The Club has previously committed to challenging instances of violence against women and girls and acting with integrity and upholding its values when faced with any incidents. De Zerbi's comments about Mason Greenwood were unnecessary, ill-judged, and deeply offensive to a significant number of supporters."

In November, De Zerbi called Greenwood a "good guy" who paid a "heavy price". The then-Marseille coach said: "It saddens me what happened in his life, because I know a totally different person than the one who was described."

Spurs are understood to have thoroughly examined and discussed the remarks and feelings surrounding Greenwood with De Zerbi during negotiations. Proud Lilywhites, Spurs Reach and Women of the Lane are three supporter groups who voiced concerns before the appointment.

THST's statement continues: "We believe these statements, left unchecked, will create a divide among supporters at a time when we all need to be pulling together to back the team. It is concerning that the Club would put us in this position right when the team needs fans the most.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page

"Fans are rallying behind the 'All Together, Always' initiative, and this appointment places heavy strain on that unity. If those remarks reflect his genuine views, they cast a troubling shadow over the values of the Club we love.

"The Club must reassert its commitment to the values that fans hold dear-chief among them equality, respect, and integrity. With this appointment, communications from the Club and from Mr De Zerbi must clearly and unequivocally reaffirm these values.

"Our preference would have been for a short-term appointment of an individual or individuals who understand the Club and can lead the players in the seven battles to come. There would then have been an opportunity in the summer to attract a wide range of potential applicants with a track record of success in inspiring fans and players: candidates who could lead and develop sustained success for the team, for seasons to come.

"The Club has chosen otherwise. We will continue to support efforts to get behind the team and play our part in preserving the Club's Premier League status, but it is understandable that many fans will do so with a heavy heart.

"Our Five Principles for Spurs ownership include Leading with Integrity and Championing Ethical Standards. At present, supporters rate performance in this area at just 2.2 out of 10. This decision risks further eroding confidence unless addressed with clarity, humility, and decisive action.

"We fully understand that the immediate priority is to avoid relegation. However, this situation is the result of prolonged strategic failings. THST have warned for years that the Club was heading in this direction, and the lack of timely, sound decision-making has now left options severely compromised.

Roberto De Zerbi has been told what is expected of him as Tottenham boss, with the club underlining their ambitions despite the threat of relegation from the Premier League

Roberto De Zerbi has been told he needs to create a Tottenham team "capable of reaching great achievements" that also "excites supporters" after being confirmed as the new boss in north London.

The Italian has come in to replace Igor Tudor, who lasted just 44 days in his role before he was relieved of his duties after securing just a single Premier League point from five games.

De Zerbi was out of work having left Marseille in February but made a name for himself whilst in charge at Brighton between 2022 and 2024. His style of play won plaudits and he's been tasked with replicating that in the capital as Tottenham seek to rediscover the form of yesteryear.

The club won the Europa League last year, although that was their first trophy since 2008, and have previously been Champions League regulars. Tottenham's hierarchy, despite two dire years domestically, retain lofty ambitions and they have been made clear to De Zerbi.

He said: “I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world. In all my discussions with the club’s leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear - to build a team capable of reaching great achievements, and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters. I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it."

Despite Tottenham's long-term desires, there remains the genuine possibility that they slip into the Championship with the club just a point above the bottom three. They haven't won in the league in 2026 and were hammered 3-0 by relegation rivals Nottingham Forest last time out. As a result De Zerbi knows his initial remit is to secure top flight safety.

“Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table," said the Italian. "Which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season. I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that.”

De Zerbi has penned a lucrative contract, which is understood to include to relegation clause. Tottenham have been through two managers already this season with Tudor replacing Thomas Frank, but the Italian was their top candidate the minute they went back on the hunt.

One of his former players, Neal Maupay, whom he managed at Brighton, has confessed that De Zerbi's ideals and principles won't be implemented overnight despite the need for an instant impact. The striker told Sky Sports News: "What he wants to do will take time!"

Tottenham have announced the arrival of Roberto De Zerbi as their new boss and he has already sounded out World Cup winner Alessandro Nesta about a role on his staff

Roberto De Zerbi is already making moves at Tottenham, with Italian great Alessandro Nesta offered a role in his coaching staff.

De Zerbi has been tempted back to the Premier League and was announced as the new Spurs boss on Tuesday afternoon. He's already eyeing up his lieutenants to help the club avoid relegation from the Premier League and has turned to one of the great defenders of the 2000s.

Italian outlet Tuttosport reports that Nesta, now 50 and winner of the World Cup back in 2006, has been given a chance to become De Zerbi’s assistant manager. He is currently considering the offer, but has only worked as a head coach so far in his career.

Nesta moved into coaching after retiring and has had spells in charge of Miami FC, Perugia, Frosinone, Reggiana and Monza. Last term, he was shown the door by Monza in December 2024 with the club bottom of Serie A, only to be re-appointed just seven weeks later.

He could not inspire an upturn in results as Monza were relegated to Serie B after finishing 20th and now Nesta has the opportunity to work outside of Italy.

He would bring huge experience and credibility given the success he had as a player. Nesta played with Lazio in the early 2000s and was later part of the AC Milan side that won the Champions League, winning it in 2003 and 2007.

De Zerbi and his coaching staff will take charge of their first game at Sunderland a week on Sunday. The new man in charge has said: “Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season. I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that.”

It has been reported that De Zerbi will earn an annual salary of between £12million and £15million - that will make him the third-highest paid manager in the Premier League. Despite the threat of going down the Italian is not thought to have a release clause in his deal.

De Zerbi was quickly identified as the club's first choice after Igor Tudor's underwhelming spell was bought to an end after just 44 days and no win. German coaches Edin Terzic and Marco Rose and two-time former caretaker head coach Ryan Mason were other options Tottenham considered.

Crisis-ridden Tottenham have confirmed the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as their new manager. De Zerbi, 46, has signed a five-year contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and is tasked with keeping them in the Premier League.

Spurs are 17th in the table, languishing one point and place above the relegation zone with just seven games to go. Their abject 3-0 defeat at home to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest spelled the end of Igor Tudor's reign as interim manager, having only been in charge for 44 days.

De Zerbi said: “I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world.

“In all my discussions with the club’s leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear – to build a team capable of reaching great achievements, and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters. I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it.

“Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season. I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that.”

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page

Spurs Sporting director Johan Lange, said: “Roberto was our number one target for the summer and we are very pleased to be able to bring him in now. He is one of the most creative and forward-thinking coaches in world football, and brings with him a wealth of experience at the highest level, including in the Premier League.”

Tudor's departure was announced on Sunday and Tottenham have acted quickly to bring in De Zerbi. The Italian established himself in the Premier League with Brighton, where he spent nearly two seasons and earned the club's highest-ever top-flight finish, which in turn secured European qualification for the first time in their history.

De Zerbi left Brighton in 2024 and went on to manage French giants Marseille, who he parted ways with in February. The former Shakhtar Donetsk and Sassuolo boss was quickly sounded out as a target for the vacant full-time managerial position at Manchester United.

But Tottenham have managed convince De Zerbi to help them in their crisis. The 46-year-old initially wanted to wait until the summer to take over but U-turned on his stance after negotiations with Spurs' hierarchy.

De Zerbi becomes their fourth manager in less than a year, with Thomas Frank having replaced Ange Postecoglou last summer. Frank arrived with a glowing reputation from his time at Brentford, but only lasted eight months.

Tottenham are yet to win a Premier League game in 2026 and it'll be April 12 by the time they're back in action away to Sunderland. Tudor only earned one point from his five top-flight matches, although he did record a victory in the Champions League.

Will Roberto De Zerbi keep Tottenham up? Give us your prediction in the comments section.

De Zerbi's appointment has already been the subject of backlash. Last week, three supporters' groups released statements urging the club not to hire him because of his comments on Mason Greenwood.

Shortly after taking the Marseille job, De Zerbi controversially signed the ex-England forward, who was sold by Man United in 2024 after charges against him, including attempted rape and assault, were dropped. He described Greenwood as a 'good guy' who'd paid a 'heavy price."

Roberto De Zerbi has agreed to become the next Tottenham manager. The Italian boss was Spurs' first-choice replacement for Igor Tudor and talks have now concluded.

The Times reports that an agreement has been reached over a five-year contract and an announcement will be made in the next 24 hours. De Zerbi left Marseille in February and will now turn his attention to trying to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Spurs are 17th, one point above the relegation zone, having not won in 13 matches. De Zerbi's deal includes a huge bonus that will be paid if Spurs avoid relegation to the Championship.

Negotiations are understood to have centred around the make-up of his coaching staff, with consideration given to including someone familiar with the club. It has been reported that De Zerbi will earn an annual salary of £12million to 15million, which will make him the third-highest paid Premier League manager behind Pep Guardiola (£20m) and Mikel Arteta (£15m).

It comes after Tudor lasted just 44 days in charge and took just one point in the league having arriving to replace Thomas Frank.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page

Former Monaco boss Adi Hutter, German coaches Edin Terzic and Marco Rose, two-time former caretaker head coach Ryan Mason, ex-Tottenham striker Robbie Keane and ex-Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche were all considered. But De Zerbi was always the top choice for chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange.

Spurs' hierarchy are under huge pressure to make the right choice, having overseen a shambolic campaign. They have decided to switch boss again, having been given a huge gap in the schedule by the international break and the FA Cup quarter finals - a competition Spurs are no longer in - taking place this weekend.

De Zerbi's first game in charge will come away to Sunderland on April 12. Spurs have not won a Premier League game in 2026, drawing five and losing eight of their last 13 matches. Tudor's last game in charge was the 3-0 home defeat by relegation rivals Nottingham Forest on March 22.

Tudor claimed just one point during his time in charge, from a 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield, while his only win came against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, and wasn't enough to overturn a first-leg deficit.

De Zerbi will return to the Premier League, having previously managed Brighton between 2022 and 2024. After replacing Graham Potter in September 2022, De Zerbi guided the Seagulls to sixth in his maiden campaign before finishing 11th in 2023/24.

He left Brighton by mutual agreement in the summer of 2024 and moved to Marseille, where he won 39 of his 69 games in charge. The 46-year-old left the French giants in February following a 5-0 thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain and an exit from the Champions League at the hands of Club Brugge.

He guided Marseille to second in Ligue 1 in his maiden campaign and left them in fourth place.

Tottenham Hotspur's latest accounts show their loss for the year has risen to £94.7million for the period ending June 30, 2025. The club also revealed their debts are in excess of £800MILLION as they released their financial results on Tuesday.

The staggering loss underscores the tough position the club is in, with the potential for relegation from the Premier League that could devastate their finances even further. The club, however, will have banked a huge figure from their run to the Champions League last-16 this season.

The domestic on‑pitch underperformance of both Tottenham's Men's and Women's teams during the reporting period had a direct impact on TV and media revenues.

The £94.7m loss for the year comes after depreciation, amortisation, player trading, interest and taxation. Two years ago, the club recorded a loss of just £26.2m - an increase of more than 260 per cent.

As for the club's total revenue and other income, this rose to £565.3m during the reporting period - an increase of seven per cent on the £528.2m reported in 2024. The uplift was driven by their Europa League success, alongside strong commercial performance across sponsorship, merchandising and stadium events.

In a statement accompanying the financial results, the club also confirmed increases in match receipts, UEFA prize money, commercial revenues and other income.

"Match receipts of £126.5m (2024: £105.8m), driven by an increased number of matches at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium," it stated. "UEFA prize money was £34.7m (2024: £1.3m) arising from the successful Europa League campaign (2024: no European football).

"TV and Media revenues were £127.0m (2024: £165.9m) having finished in 17th position in the Premier League. Commercial revenues and other income from sponsorship, merchandising and other income such as stadium events, visitor attractions, pre-season tour and conference and events, increased to £277.1m (2024: £255.2m)."

Despite this, the club's losses have taken a sharp upward trajectory. TV and media revenues fell to £127m, down from £165.9m in 2024 - a decrease of 23 per cent following Spurs' 17th-place finish in the Premier League.

Operating expenses (before player trading) also saw an increase of 15 per cent to £521.5m in comparison to the £453.6m recorded in 2024.

Profit from operations before depreciation, amortisation, player trading, interest and taxation fell by 22 per cent, dropping from £144.9m to £112.3m.

Spurs' net debt was also alarmingly high as of 30 June 2025, standing at £831.2m (2024: £772.5m). More than 90 per cent of their £851.7m in financial borrowings are at fixed rates, with an average interest rate of 3.07 per cent.

The average maturity of these borrowings is 17.6 years, with some extending to 2051, helping to safeguard the club's long‑term financial stability. It is also noted, as in previous years, that no dividends have been paid.

Spurs sit 17th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone despite the club's £150m in net spend on transfers last summer. Failing to beat the drop would be seen as a disaster for the club, which is still considered part of the 'Big Six'.

The financial ramifications would be hugely damaging but Spurs still have time to turn it around. They are next in action against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on April 12, and club chiefs are working behind the scenes to appoint a new manager this week to ensure the players have time to work with him.

Roberto De Zerbi is the favourite to take over in north London after talks were held on Monday. The new boss will have just seven matches to turn the club's fortunes around.

At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the "Do Not Sell or Share my Data" button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.

'I worked with Tottenham target Roberto De Zerbi - the first few weeks were horrendous'

Roberto De Zerbi is in advanced talks to become Tottenham manager following Igor Tudor's exit, but Lewis Dunk's previous comments about a difficult transition period could serve as a warning

Tottenham could encounter 'carnage' if Roberto De Zerbi assumes control of the club's battle for Premier League survival. The north London outfit might be wise to consider the warnings of Brighton defender Lewis Dunk from when the Italian was still managing the Seagulls.

De Zerbi is poised to succeed Igor Tudor at Spurs following his departure. The club has entered advanced negotiations with the former Marseille manager and have tabled a substantial contract, although talks remain ongoing regarding De Zerbi's backroom staff.

Should the 46-year-old accept Tottenham's five-year proposal, he must make an immediate impact with a squad that hasn't secured a Premier League victory in 2026. However, De Zerbi's initial weeks at a new club can prove challenging, given the dramatic shift in his methods.

Speaking in 2023, Brighton player Dunk disclosed how demanding the adaptation period was when De Zerbi arrived on the south coast, following Graham Potter's departure. "If I am being honest, the first couple of weeks were horrendous..." Dunk told the Telegraph.

"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 merely seven fixtures left and Tottenham languishing in 17th position with West Ham trailing by a single point, De Zerbi will require a swift start at Hotspur Way. Failing to do so could spell catastrophe for the Lilywhites.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page

However, if they can successfully navigate that spell, Spurs' players could benefit significantly should they experience a transformation similar to 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 reflected 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."