Tottenham parted ways with manager Igor Tudor on Sunday, ending his disastrous spell as caretaker manager, with the relegation-threatened side now closing in on Roberto De Zerbi.
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – JANUARY 24: Olympique Marseille head coach Roberto de Zerbi celebrates his team’s second goal scored by Nathan Nwaneri #11 during the Ligue 1 McDonald’s match between Olympique Marseille and RC Reims on January 24, 2026 at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, France. (Photo by Xavier Rein/Getty Images)
Roberto De Zerbi has been offered a five-year contract by Tottenham. Relegation-threatened Spurs have sent an SOS to the former Brighton and Marseille manager in a desperate attempt to beat relegation.
Tottenham were in talks on Monday after offering De Zerbi a big contract that would see him take over immediately rather than waiting until the summer.
It is believed they even went so far as to discuss the details of De Zerbi’s backroom staff, as the Italians are famous for having large backroom teams.
De Zerbi may bring in a small staff, but with a clear policy of saving Spurs with seven games remaining, they could be in the relegation zone by the time the new manager takes over.
read more: Tottenham: ‘Ultimatum to Roberto De Zerbi’ Final decision expected within next 48 hoursread more: Tottenham legend delivers worrying relegation verdict as Roberto De Zerbi’s appointment approaches
Tottenham hope to appoint a new manager before the players return from international duty this week, giving him time to work with the team before their next game at Sunderland on April 12.
West Ham had played two days earlier and if they beat Wolves, Tottenham would be pushed into the bottom three and in serious danger of relegation.
Relegation would be a disaster for one of the Premier League’s biggest and most established clubs, which is why they brought forward plans to sign De Zerbi, who was on their summer shortlist anyway.
They have made a huge offer for De Zerbi and are thought to view him as an elite coach who can train the team and appoint a genuine new manager.
Manager Igor Tudor leaves Tottenham after a disastrous spell (Image: PA)
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Tottenham’s last appointment of Igor Tudor was a huge mistake, with the Croatian failing to win a Premier League game in 44 days as caretaker manager.
Although the two sides parted ways on Sunday, Tottenham are targeting De Zerbi with clear plans to sign him, and if they fail to get over the line they will turn to a former player or manager with Premier League experience.
Tottenham are also aware there could be a backlash, with at least three fan groups publicly criticizing De Zerbi’s support for former Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood when he was in charge of Marseille.
Former Spurs midfielder Tim Sherwood, who was also the club’s manager, was also considered, but backed De Zerbi as a good option if his former club wanted to sign the player.
De Zerbi will need to make an immediate impact as Spurs battle drops (Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Sherwood told Sky Sports: “I love his personality and the way the team is playing. But they’re open and in some games they can get hammered. You can’t get hammered between now and the end of the season.”
“We saw his Marseille team play against Liverpool with an open style. He opens the pitch and the way he plays is wide.”
“We know how stubborn this guy is. This guy is difficult to deal with, but I like him for that, he has his own ideas and gets his own way, so that’s my only reservation.”
“If he can get them over the line, I think Tottenham are the best manager to take them forward. The main priority is just to keep them in the league.”
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