Tottenham Hotspur have announced the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as the club’s new head coach, with seven matches remaining in the English Premier League season.
The North London side confirmed that the Italian’s appointment is subject to a work permit. He becomes Tottenham’s third head coach of the campaign, replacing Igor Tudor, who lasted just 44 days in charge.
“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,” the club said in a statement.
Tottenham currently sit 17th in the league table, just one point above the relegation zone, with seven fixtures left to play. De Zerbi’s arrival is seen as a decisive move to steer the club away from the drop.
Speaking after his appointment, the 46-year-old outlined both his immediate and long-term objectives.
“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.”
Sporting Director Johan Lange described De Zerbi as the club’s top managerial target and praised his credentials.
“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.”
De Zerbi takes up his ninth role as a head coach and returns to English football following his spell at Brighton & Hove Albion, where he guided the club to a sixth-place finish in 2023 — their highest-ever league position — and secured their first qualification for European competition. He also won the Ukrainian League Cup during his time at Shakhtar Donetsk.