Tottenham Hotspur appoint De Zerbi as new manager

By Emmanuel Okogba

Tottenham Hotspur have appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their new manager on a long-term contract, subject to work permit approval.

De Zerbi becomes the latest high-profile name to take charge at Tottenham, bringing with him a reputation for attractive, possession-based football.

Speaking after his appointment, the 46-year-old expressed his excitement at joining one of England’s most ambitious clubs.

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

“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.”

He added that his immediate focus is on improving Tottenham’s position in the Premier League table.

“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,” he stated. “I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that.”

Tottenham’s Sporting Director, Johan Lange, described De Zerbi as the club’s number one target.

“Roberto was our number one target for the summer and we are very pleased to be able to bring him in now,” Lange said. “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 began his coaching career in Italy and gained recognition for his attacking style during his time at Sassuolo. He later led Shakhtar Donetsk to the Ukrainian Super Cup and guided Brighton & Hove Albion to their highest-ever Premier League finish and first European qualification during his previous spell with the club.

Most recently, he took Marseille to runners-up position in Ligue 1 during the 2024/25 season, securing Champions League football for the French side.

The Italian coach is expected to take charge immediately and will begin preparations for the remainder of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

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