Tottenham appoint Roberto De Zerbi as official statement released and Italian's first words

Callum Vurley
Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:55:26 +0000

Roberto De Zerbi has been named Tottenham Hotspur's new permanent head coach, committing to a five-year contract at the north London club.

The Italian tactician arrives with Spurs in desperate straits, positioned just a single point above the Premier League's relegation zone.

With merely seven matches remaining this campaign, the club faces the genuine prospect of dropping out of the top flight for the first time since 1977.

De Zerbi's contract notably contains no relegation release clause, demonstrating his commitment to the cause regardless of which division Tottenham find themselves in next season.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

De Zerbi becomes the third head coach to take charge at Tottenham this season, stepping into a role vacated by Igor Tudor.

The Croatian's tenure proved calamitous, lasting just 44 days without securing a single Premier League victory.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Tottenham fan groups plan Roberto De Zerbi protest over Mason Greenwood support

Tottenham have become the most embarrassing club in England as Igor Tudor leaves job

Tottenham fans make feelings clear on Igor Tudor exit after just seven matches in charge

Despite Tudor's departure, his assistant Bruno Saltor will remain at the club, joining De Zerbi's backroom staff in north London.

The appointment required considerable persuasion from Spurs officials, who worked diligently to bring the Italian in ahead of the summer window.

De Zerbi had previously signalled his intention to take time away from management following his exit from Marseille in February.

Upon his appointment, De Zerbi expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead.

"I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world," he said.

The 45-year-old spoke of his alignment with the club's vision, stating: "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."

He emphasised that survival remains the paramount concern: "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."

Sporting Director Johan Lange confirmed the club's determination to secure De Zerbi's services, revealing: "Roberto was our number one target for the summer and we are very pleased to be able to bring him in now."

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.

🔗 https://t.co/DtXe0YJSlr pic.twitter.com/64tybrOhmr
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 31, 2026

Lange described the Italian as "one of the most creative and forward-thinking coaches in world football" with substantial experience at the highest level, including previous work in England.

De Zerbi's credentials are impressive, having guided Brighton to their finest Premier League campaign during his debut season at the Amex Stadium, securing European football for the first time in the club's history.

Most recently at Marseille, he steered the French side to second place in Ligue 1, earning Champions League qualification.