Roberto de Zerbi emerges as Tottenham's preferred managerial candidate
Roberto de Zerbi, who managed Brighton for two seasons in the Premier League, is reportedly Tottenham Hotspur's primary target to become their new permanent head coach, according to multiple sources.
Igor Tudor departed Tottenham by mutual consent after only 44 days in charge. Following his exit, chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange have been tasked with finding his successor.
It is understood that Tottenham had decided to part ways with interim manager Tudor after a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last Sunday, a loss that left the club just one point above the relegation zone. However, the club allowed Tudor some time to grieve the recent passing of his father before making the decision public.
De Zerbi is available after his departure from Marseille earlier this season and has been identified as a leading candidate. Even before Tudor's departure was officially announced, Tottenham reportedly approached De Zerbi to gauge his interest in the position.
Multiple sources have informed that initial responses from De Zerbi indicate openness to taking the role permanently. However, he reportedly prefers to wait until the end of the season to confirm his decision, depending on whether Tottenham remain in the Premier League.
It remains uncertain whether Tottenham will intensify their efforts to secure De Zerbi immediately following Tudor's exit.
Fan opposition due to De Zerbi's support for Mason Greenwood
Several Tottenham supporters' groups have expressed opposition to the potential appointment of De Zerbi, citing his public support for former Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood.
Greenwood, aged 24, joined Marseille under De Zerbi's management in 2023 after charges against him—including attempted rape and assault—were dropped.
During his tenure in France, De Zerbi described Greenwood as a
"good guy" who had paid a "heavy price" for his past.
Spurs' official LGBTQ+ supporters group, Proud Lilywhites, issued a statement regarding De Zerbi's remarks:
"When someone in that position publicly defends a player like Mason Greenwood, and frames it in a way that downplays the seriousness of what happened, it matters, not just in isolation but in what it signals."
Other managerial options under consideration
Aside from De Zerbi, Tottenham are reportedly interested in appointing Sean Dyche on a short-term basis. Dyche, who was dismissed by Nottingham Forest in February, has a reputation for helping clubs avoid relegation—a valuable trait given Tottenham's current precarious position.
However, Dyche is understood to require a minimum contract length of 18 months, which may complicate negotiations.
Mauricio Pochettino remains a popular choice among supporters due to his relatively successful previous tenure at Tottenham. Nonetheless, his current commitments to the USA national team ahead of the upcoming World Cup make an immediate return unlikely.
Other candidates with Tottenham connections, such as Ryan Mason, Harry Redknapp, and Tim Sherwood, are reportedly willing to serve as interim managers until the end of the season. Current player Ben Davies has also been considered as a short-term solution.
Former Spurs players Glenn Hoddle and Chris Hughton have been mentioned as potential interim appointments as well.
Ex-Monaco head coach Adi Hutter was also linked to the role but appears to have ruled himself out. In a statement to Sky Sports Austria, Hutter reiterated his previous position following his departure from Monaco in October 2025:
"I would prefer not to work as a head coach again until the start of the new season at the earliest."
"My position on this matter has not changed since then."
