Tottenham Hotspur have opened discussions with Roberto De Zerbi as they intensify efforts to appoint a new permanent head coach following the departure of Igor Tudor.
Tudor exited the club by mutual consent after just 44 days in charge, with chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange now leading the search for a successor. The decision followed a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, leaving Spurs precariously positioned just one point above the relegation zone. However, the club delayed formal action out of respect for Tudor, who was mourning a personal loss.
De Zerbi, currently unattached after leaving Marseille earlier this season, has emerged as Tottenham’s primary target. Initial contact was made prior to Tudor’s departure, with indications suggesting the Italian is open to the role. However, he is understood to favour a summer appointment, when the club’s Premier League status is confirmed.
Despite this, negotiations are ongoing as Spurs explore the possibility of appointing De Zerbi for the remaining seven matches of the campaign, with the intention of offering a longer-term contract beyond the current season.
The potential appointment has generated mixed reactions among supporters. Concerns have been raised by fan groups over De Zerbi’s public support for Mason Greenwood during their time together at Marseille. Greenwood joined the French club in 2023 after leaving Manchester United, following the dropping of serious charges against him. De Zerbi’s previous remarks describing the forward in a sympathetic light have drawn criticism, particularly from inclusivity-focused supporter groups.
As Tottenham weigh their options, Sean Dyche has been considered as a short-term solution. Recently dismissed by Nottingham Forest, Dyche’s track record in securing Premier League survival is viewed as a relevant asset given Spurs’ current situation. However, his reported preference for a minimum 18-month contract may complicate any potential agreement.
Former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino remains a popular choice among supporters, though his existing commitments to the United States national team ahead of the upcoming World Cup significantly limit the feasibility of an immediate return.
Several candidates with prior ties to Tottenham — including Ryan Mason, Harry Redknapp and Tim Sherwood — are understood to be open to interim roles until the end of the season. Current defender Ben Davies has also been considered internally as a temporary solution.
Additionally, former players Glenn Hoddle and Chris Hughton have been linked with short-term appointments.
Elsewhere, Adi Hutter has distanced himself from contention, reiterating his intention not to return to management until at least the start of next season, maintaining a stance he has held since his departure from Monaco in October 2025.
