The former Brighton and Marseille boss has taken over at Tottenham under very tricky circumstances
Tottenham have confirmed that Roberto De Zerbi will become their third head coach of the season, as the club continue to battle relegation in the Premier League.
After sacking Thomas Frank and replacing him with Igor Tudor, the Croat managed just seven games in charge before walking away from the North London club.
The continued struggles have left Spurs executives scrambling for a solution as they bid to stay up, eventually landing on former Brighton and Marseille boss De Zerbi.
The club said in a statement: “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as our new Men’s Head Coach on a long-term contract, subject to work permit.
“Following a playing career of almost 300 appearances across 15 years, Brescia-born Roberto began coaching in his native Italy and in June, 2018, joined Serie A side Sassuolo, earning recognition for his exciting, attack-minded and possession-based approach.
“He took charge of Shakhtar Donetsk in May, 2021, leading them to the UEFA Champions League group stage and the Ukrainian Super Cup – his first piece of silverware as a coach.
“Heading to East Sussex to join Brighton & Hove Albion in September, 2022, Roberto helped secure the Seagulls’ highest ever Premier League finish in his debut season, earning European qualification for the first time in the club’s history.
“In his most recent role at Marseille, the Ligue 1 side finished as runners-up in 2024/25, earning a spot in the UEFA Champions League.”
Despite reports that the Italian was keen to wait until the end of the season to assess his options, Tottenham have managed to convince the fiery head coach to take the job on a permanent basis now.
The deal is not believed to include a relegation clause, with De Zerbi reportedly committed to the club, even if they go down.
De Zerbi speaks as Spurs boss
Speaking for the first time as the club’s new head coach, 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.”
De Zerbi is viewed as the best option for the long-term, despite links to a reunion with former boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Spurs sit 17th in the table, just one point above the drop zone. De Zerbi’s first task will be a trip to Sunderland, before facing his old club Brighton in his first home outing.
With others in FA Cup action when players return from the international break, the 46-year-old will have over a week to become familiar with his new surroundings and meet his squad.
