SPORTbible

Roberto De Zerbi and Tottenham have taken drastic action as they try to guide Spurs away from Premier League relegation.

Since succeeding Igor Tudor as Spurs boss in late March, De Zerbi has yet to win a game, losing 1-0 to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light before drawing 2-2 at home against European hopefuls Brighton last time out.

Ahead of Spurs’ trip to already-relegated Wolves on April 25, they sit 18th in the league, two points off West Ham United in 17th and five behind 16th-placed Nottingham Forest.

Leeds United look all but safe on 39 points in 15th following back-to-back wins against Manchester United and Wolves.

And ahead of gameweek 34, Spurs are taking action by hiring a sports psychologist.

A job specification posted on LinkedIn reads: “Tottenham Hotspur Football Club is committed to building a world-class performance environment for our Men’s First Team. As part of this ambition, we are seeking an outstanding Performance Psychologist to join our Performance Team. This is a high-impact role embedded within the Men’s First Team environment at Hotspur Way.

“Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, you will lead the delivery of evidence-based psychological support to elite professional players. The role encompasses individual player support, systemic work across the coaching and performance staff, and the ongoing development of a psychologically informed performance culture throughout the team.

“This role demands a practitioner who is credible, discreet and highly effective in a Premier League environment, capable of building trust with players and coaches while operating with the professional rigour expected at the highest level of the game.”

The club is also hiring a dedicated sports psychologist for the women’s team.

De Zerbi confident of survival

Following the weekend’s trip to Molineux, Spurs face Aston Villa (a), Leeds (h), Chelsea (a), and Everton (h) on the final day of the season.

According to De Zerbi, his side can “win five games in a row”, which is a remarkable stance considering they haven’t won a single Premier League match in 2026.

“Every one of us knows it’s a tough moment, it’s a difficult situation,” De Zerbi said after Brighton’s late equaliser.

“Now it’s difficult to hear my words. But if you watch the players, if you analyse the level of the players, I think we can win five games in a row. Not to be arrogant, because I’m not arrogant now, especially now. But we have enough quality to fight and to win games in a row.”

Spurs have played in the English top flight every season since the 1978–79 campaign.

Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing a highly rated player from their arch-rivals, Spurs, this summer.

Following yet another poor result for Tottenham against Brighton on Saturday (April 18), Roberto De Zerbi and the club’s supporters will no doubt be worried about the future, with Spurs set to finish the weekend in the relegation zone regardless of West Ham and Nottingham Forest’s results.

Despite leading twice – first through Pedro Porro and then thanks to a sublime strike from Xavi Simons against the Seagulls – the home side were pegged back by goals from Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter, meaning their wait for a Premier League win in 2026 goes on.

With just five league fixtures to play, Spurs are in a truly precarious position, which may lead to huge financial losses should they be relegated.

A number of high-profile stars will likely move on from the club, including 2024/25 Player of the Season, Lucas Bergvall.

In January, the Sweden international was linked with a move to Aston Villa and Chelsea, although no such transfer materialised.

However, new reports from CaughtOffside suggest the 20-year-old midfielder is of interest to north London rivals Arsenal, while Chelsea also remain keen.

Spurs reportedly see the player as 'unsellable' despite interest from other clubs, although contrary reports claim the club would be willing to listen to offers in excess of £50 million.

A Spurs player has not transferred directly to Arsenal since Sol Campbell’s infamous move in 2001.

Barcelona also remain linked with the player, despite him rejecting their approaches in 2024.

Bergvall arrived at Spurs from Djurgården in 2023 and has since featured 75 times for the side, registering two goals and nine assists, while forming part of the 2024/25 Europa League-winning side.

It remains unclear whether the Swede wants to leave the club, although it is unlikely that a player of such promise would accept playing in the Championship should Spurs be relegated.

The 20-year-old is under contract at Spurs until 2031 after signing an extension in April 2025, earning a reported £75,000 a week, according to Capology.

Tottenham return to action against soon-to-be-relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 25.

Fans have called for a rule change prohibiting small shinpads after a horrific injury suffered in the Eredivisie on Sunday.

Fortuna Sittard and NAC Breda played out a 1-1 draw in the Dutch top flight but the biggest talking point was a nasty gash suffered by former Spurs player Lewis Holtby.

The German, who also had spells in England with Fulham and Blackburn, is still playing at the age 35 but ended up with a nasty wound in his latest game.

In the first half, Holtby was caught by opposition defender Justin Hubner as he went past him and dropped to the turf. The referee did not immediate halt play, with no foul given or any card brandished.

But Holtby continued to writhe around in pain and waived his arm in the air to the point that the game did have to be stopped.

ESPN cameras zoomed in on Holtby and uncovered a large open gash right on his left shin. The midfielder was attended to by medics and was forced off following the injury, with Mohamed Nassoh replacing him.

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

After the damage from the collision, many fans believe that the injury served as an example for why tiny, kid-like shinpads need to be removed from the game in order for better protection for players.

One fan on X said: "Exactly the reason why shin pads are supposed to be bigger than a two-finger Kit Kat."

A second followed up, writing: "Tiny shin pads have become a real controversy in football. In some leagues, players are still allowed to wear extremely small protection as long as it meets the rules on paper. After Lewis Holtby’s horrible injury in the Eredivisie today, that conversation is only going to get louder."

A third person added: "Old school shin pads would have prevented this."

Holtby posts update after horror injury

Holtby took to Instagram after the game to reveal that his large cut required stitches. He wrote, "Some stitches, Eis... will be back in no time. Thanks for the messages."

He also shared a screenshot of the message he received from Hubner, who reached out with an apology.

The message from Hubner read: "My friend I hope ur leg is ok it was never my intention to hit you like that hopefully you be back soon".

Holtby called Hubner a "top man" and appreciated the "great sportsmanship".

Tottenham star James Maddison has responded after the emergence of a viral video appearing to show his physical condition as he continues to recover from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Maddison tore his ACL during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle in South Korea, and was expected to miss the majority of the 2025/26 season.

His absence has been sorely felt by Spurs, who sit 17th in the Premier League table and just one point above the relegation zone.

Maddison has stepped up his recovery in recent weeks, though it remains to be seen whether new manager Roberto De Zerbi will be able to call upon his services in the closing weeks of the season.

On Wednesday, a video emerged of Maddison in the gym performing strength work on both legs.

Some fans suggested that the muscle mass in his right leg - where he suffered the ACL injury - appeared to be significantly smaller than on his left leg, though others speculated as to whether the camera angle simply made it look that way.

Maddison himself has now responded to the video, posting a clip of him standing straight on towards the camera to show that, in fact, the muscle mass in both legs is the same.

He captioned the post: "Admin needs to work on the angles of videoing... @spursofficial."

Maddison's recovery was touched upon by now former interim manager Igor Tudor, who said he was 'positive' ahead of his upcoming return.

He told football.london last month: "Maddison is already doing interesting things as well with the ball. Sprinting as well. I saw him. He is positive. He is positive."

De Zerbi has yet to comment on the prospect of the 29-year-old playing again this season, though Maddison is clearly anticipating playing for his new manager.

He liked Spurs' announcement video of the Italian's appointment within three minutes of it being posted last week.

Tottenham Hotspur star Dejan Kulusevski has made a devastating injury admission after Sweden secured qualification for the World Cup.

Despite failing to win a single of their matches during their European qualifiers campaign, Sweden defied the odds as they beat Poland 3-2 to secure for the World Cup in North America this summer.

With star players like Liverpool's Alexander Isak and Spurs' Kulusevski sidelined by injury, it was Anthony Elanga, Gustaf Lagerbielke and Viktor Lindelof who stepped up and found the back of the net in the match.

Sweden will enter the World Cup in Group F, where they will play against Tunisia, The Netherlands, and Japan, with their first match against Tunisia at 03:00 on June 15.

Thankfully, it appears likely that Isak will be back in time to feature at the World Cup, but after the match Kulusevski admitted that it may still come too soon for him to play.

Speaking to Viaplay, after the win, the 25-year-old reaffirmed his commitment to return to fitness, but admitted he faces an tough road ahead to be ready in time.

He said: "I haven't played in a year. I know what the chances are. But if there is one person on the planet who can do this, I would bet on myself. And we are not just going there to participate. Sweden will aim to be one of the best.

"As long as I live, I will do everything I can so that Sweden, when we go out and play, will not be afraid of anyone. Brazil, France, whoever they are. That's why I'm on this planet. To give faith and love to my people."

As he watched his side punch their ticket for their second World Cup of the last 16 years, he was clearly holding back the tears.

The forward has not featured for club or country since getting patella surgery in May last year, and just three weeks ago, he had another minor surgical intervention to clean up his knee.

However, Kulusevski remains adamant that the operation was needed and will actually help speed up his recovery, rather than set it back further.

Speaking in another interview, via Football London, he added: "I understand that people were worried, but it was actually for the wrong reason.

"It was really positive to undergo this small operation and be able to identify the problem. Now everything should be sorted out. Maybe because of things that won't be known because, at the end of the day, it's only God who decides and no one else."

Roberto De Zerbi may have already identified the first player he wants to sign after replacing Igor Tudor as Tottenham Hotspur manager.

After just seven games in charge, Igor Tudor left his role as Tottenham Hotspur interim head coach last week, with the Croat unable to win any of his five Premier League games in charge, with his only point coming in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

Shortly after his dismissal, several names were linked with the Spurs job, with Harry Redknapp, Tim Sherwood, Chris Hughton and Glenn Hoddle and even current player Ben Davies all reportedly considered.

However, on Tuesday the club announced that they had appointed former Brighton boss De Zerbi, with the Italian signing a five-year contract, with a reported annual salary of £12million to 15million, which will make him the third-highest paid Premier League manager.

With Spurs in a desperate fight for survival in the Premier League, De Zerbi's appointment needs to go well, and it appears he's already identified the one player he wants to bring in to help guide the London club to better days.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato IT, De Zerbi has identified Manuel Locatelli as the one player who could help transform Spurs, having worked with the midfielder during his spell at Sassuolo between 2019 and 2021.

The Italian has impressed for Juventus this season, leading the side as captain, playing 39 times in all competitions and contributing to five goals while controlling the match from midfield.

It is reported that before signing as the new Spurs' boss, De Zerbi discussed potential transfer targets during a major meeting with the club's ownership outlining his vision for the future.

During this meeting, he is believed to have named Locatelli as his top target for the summer, but only if they are able to survive relegation.

As it stands, Locatelli’s current contract at Juventus runs until the summer of 2028 and it is currently unclear if the club plans to extend his contract further.

Should they decide to part ways with the 28-year-old, it could provide an opportunity for several clubs, with Spurs believed to be only one of several Premier League sides interested in the Italian.

The report adds that, should Locatelli be available, Manchester United will rival Spurs for his signature this summer.

Spurs have already been rejected by one of their managerial targets following the departure of Igor Tudor.

Tudor left Spurs by mutual consent on Sunday afternoon following seven matches in charge.

He took just one point from his five Premier League games, and also oversaw the club's elimination from the Champions League to Atletico Madrid at the last 16 stage.

Spurs now sit only one place and one point above the relegation zone with seven matches to play.

Sean Dyche and Roberto De Zerbi were instantly installed as joint favourites to take over by the bookmakers, with The Telegraph reporting that a series of more left-field appointments, including Chris Hughton, Tim Sherwood and even current Spurs defender Ben Davies, may also be considered.

But one manager who was linked with the job at the beginning of last week has publicly ruled himself out of the running.

Former Monaco manager Adi Hutter, who has been out of work since being sacked by the principality club in October, says he does not want to take the job.

In a statement on Sunday evening, the 56-year-old said (as per Sky Sports Austria): "In recent days and weeks, I have been increasingly linked with various clubs.

"However, as I already stated immediately after my time at Monaco, I would prefer not to work as a head coach again until the start of the new season at the earliest.

"My position on this matter has not changed since then."

What have other Spurs managerial candidates said?

During an appearance on talkSPORT on Saturday, former Nottingham Forest boss Dyche refused to either publicly admit or rule out interest in the job.

He said that it is 'a very tricky situation' when a manager is asked about a vacant role, adding: "You try to be respectful. Because obviously, let's use Tottenham as an example - brilliant club, massive club and all the rest.

"And then you go, 'Yeah, I'm flattered'. And then they [media] go: 'Oh, he hasn't said no!'

"Then you go, 'No'. And they go, 'Oh, he wants it really?' And you say, 'Yes'."

Sherwood, who was head coach of Spurs between 2013 and 2014, has stated on numerous occasions on Sky Sports News that he would be interested in taking the role.

And while at Cheltenham Festival earlier this month, Spurs legend Harry Redknapp told ITV: "They know where I am if they need me.

"They need somebody to go in there and give them a lift, and make them believe in themselves.

"They're bang in trouble, I must be truthful."

Tottenham Hotspur are considering appointing a current player as interim manager until the end of the season following Igor Tudor's exit.

The club confirmed Tudor's departure in a statement on Sunday afternoon, bringing his turbulent time in charge to an end after 44 days.

He failed to win any of his five Premier League games in charge after replacing Thomas Frank, and Spurs sit 17th in the table, one point above the relegation zone, with seven matches to play.

A 3-0 defeat to fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest proved to be the Croatian's final game in charge.

Attention will now turn to finding a third coach in a bid to stop Spurs from sliding into the second division for the first time since 1977.

The Telegraph reports that Harry Redknapp, Tim Sherwood, Chris Hughton and Glenn Hoddle are under consideration for the role on a short-term basis. All four men have a history with Spurs, having played or managed the North London outfit in their careers.

Interestingly, current full-back Ben Davies is another name in contention.

Davies joined Spurs from Swansea City in 2014 and is the team's longest-serving player.

The 32-year-old hasn't played since January after undergoing surgery on a broken ankle, which saw him miss Wales' World Cup play-off defeat to Bosnia on Thursday evening.

It'd be a bold move from Spurs, who have a sizeable gap between now and their next game.

They don't return to action until April 12th, when they travel to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland.

If the club manages to avoid the drop, Roberto De Zerbi is interested in taking the job permanently. De Zerbi, who previously managed Brighton, left Ligue 1 outfit Marseille last month.

Ex-Spurs striker Robbie Keane is said to only be interested in leaving Hungarian side Ferencvaros if he gets a crack at the job full-time, while Sean Dyche is currently available after being sacked by Nottingham Forest.

Igor Tudor has left Spurs by mutual consent after seven games in charge, the club has announced.

The Croatian, who was appointed last month to replace Thomas Frank, took just one point from his five Premier League matches.

He also oversaw a 7-5 aggregate defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16 stage, with Spurs winning the second leg 3-2 at home.

His last game in charge was last Sunday's 3-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest, which leaves Spurs just one point and one place above the Premier League relegation zone.

The club have released a statement confirming that Tudor, goalkeeping coach Tomislav Rogic and physical coach Riccardo Ragnacci have all left their roles by mutual consent.

"We thank Igor, Tomislav and Riccardo for their efforts during the past six weeks, in which they worked tirelessly," the statement reads.

"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."

As per Oddschecker, Sean Dyche and Roberto De Zerbi are joint odds-on favourites to replace Tudor at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Dyche and De Zerbi are both priced at 6/4 by BetVictor, with Fulham boss Marco Silva also a contender at 7/2.

Former Monaco manager Adi Hutter, who was linked with the role in the event of Tudor's departure earlier this week, is back at 6/1.

Ex-Spurs midfielder, academy graduate and coach Ryan Mason, who is unemployed after being sacked by Championship side West Brom in January, is at 10/1.

Mauricio Pochettino is also priced at 10/1, though his role with the United States men's national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup would rule him out of a return before the summer.

And former Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is priced at 20/1, with the 79-year-old having refused to rule out a return to the club if he was offered it.

Dyche, who has been out of work since his departure from Nottingham Forest in February, also hasn't distanced himself from the role - even if he didn't exactly give an answer either way.

During an appearance on talkSPORT on Saturday, the former Burnley boss said: "No matter what you do, it's a very tricky situation [as a manager being linked with a job].

"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 alright.

"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.

"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'."

Next Spurs manager odds

(via BetVictor - to take charge before May 30)

Sean Dyche (Unattached) - 6/4

Roberto De Zerbi (Unattached) - 6/4

Marco Silva (Fulham) - 7/2

Adi Hutter (Unattached) - 6/1

Ryan Mason (Unattached) - 10/1

Mauricio Pochettino (United States) - 10/1

Robbie Keane (Ferencvaros) - 14/1

Spurs are set to make yet another managerial change and cut ties with Igor Tudor after the dismal home defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Tudor, who replaced Thomas Frank, finally won his first game in charge last week when Spurs beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 in a dead-rubber Champions League round of 16 second leg.

But the team did not turn a corner and the relegation six-pointer with Forest on Sunday was a disaster, with Spurs beaten 3-0 after goals from Igor Jesus, Morgan Gibbs-White and Taiwo Awoniyi.

That handed Tudor his fifth loss since taking the reins and leaves Spurs just one point clear of West Ham, who lost to Aston Villa.

The Croatian was not on post-match media duties after he was informed of the death of his father Mario. The club said their "thoughts and condolences go out to Igor and his family during this incredibly difficult time".

Former Juventus boss Tudor was appointed until the end of the season but recent reports indicate that he could find himself relieved of his duties very shortly.

The Times say that Spurs are seriously considering making a permanent managerial appointment, with former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi their top target.

Ex boss Mauricio Pochettino and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola are also contenders but De Zerbi is available after leaving Ligue One side Marseille via mutual consent last month.

It could be that desperate Spurs replace Tudor with Di Zerbi but ensure a relegation close is included in his contract in the event that the dreaded scenario happens.

Spurs have never been relegated since the Premier League's inception in 1992 but are in locked in a genuine relegation battle nearly a year on from winning the Europa League.

After the international break, they take on Sunderland in their next fixture on 12 April before games against Brighton and Wolves.

Spurs' final four fixtures see them face Aston Villa, Leeds United, Chelsea and Everton - their final day opponents on 24 May.