Revealed: This is why Tottenham want to hire Roberto De Zerbi after deal agreed

Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing Roberto De Zerbi as a leading candidate for their permanent manager's role following the sacking of Thomas Frank. The club has appointed Igor Tudor on an interim basis until the season's end, aiming to secure Premier League survival before targeting a high-profile appointment in the summer[2].

De Zerbi's appeal stems from his proven Premier League experience at Brighton, where he made significant progress, and his recent stint at Marseille in Ligue 1, despite departing after a Champions League exit and a heavy loss to PSG[2][4]. Now a free agent, the Italian is highly regarded internally at Tottenham and has been on their radar previously[4]. Sources on Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast highlight his readiness as a "ready-made replacement," with Spurs keen to lure him due to his availability and track record[2].

However, De Zerbi is not rushing into a decision. Fabrizio Romano confirms Tottenham's concrete interest, but notes the coach is assessing the broader market, preferring clarity on projects before committing. He has turned down opportunities in the past and is open to Premier League returns without jumping immediately[4][6]. Recent updates suggest he may take a break, dimming hopes for an instant move, as per Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge[5].

Alternative plans include a potential Mauricio Pochettino return post-2026 World Cup, with De Zerbi possibly as interim, though fan preference leans heavily toward Pochettino (99% per some reports). Risks for De Zerbi include Tottenham's relegation battle and his maverick style, which could impact his stock if unsuccessful[3]. Meanwhile, odds have shifted toward Marco Rose as favorite (5/4), with De Zerbi at 3/1[5].

Tottenham's strategy balances short-term stability with long-term ambition, but De Zerbi remains a key target amid evolving options[1][2][3].