Official: Roberto De Zerbi, former manager of Brighton & Hove Albion and Marseille, has taken charge of Tottenham Hotspur, replacing previous head coach Igor Tudor, with the two parties signing a long-term contract. According to media reports, Tottenham have signed De Zerbi on a five-year deal, which does not include a relegation release clause but features a substantial survival bonus.
Tottenham Official Announcement
We are delighted to announce that Roberto De Zerbi has signed a long-term contract with us to become the club’s new first-team head coach, subject to the completion of work permit procedures.
Roberto said: “I am thrilled to be joining this fantastic football club, one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world.
“In all my discussions with the club’s leadership, their ambition for the future has been crystal clear – to build a team capable of achieving great things, and to do so with a style of play that ignites passion among our supporters. I am here because I believe in this ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to achieve it.
“Our short-term goal is to improve our position in the Premier League, and that will be our sole focus until the final whistle of our last game of the season. I am looking forward to stepping onto the training pitch and working with the players to make this happen.”
Sporting Director John Lange said: “Roberto was our number one target for the summer, and we are absolutely delighted to bring him to the club now.
“He is one of the most creative and forward-thinking coaches in world football, with vast experience at the highest level, including the Premier League.”
The Brescia-born coach enjoyed a 15-year playing career with nearly 300 appearances. He began his managerial journey at Serie A side Sassuolo in June 2018, earning widespread acclaim for his exciting, attack-minded and possession-based football philosophy.
In May 2021, he took charge of Shakhtar Donetsk, leading the side to the UEFA Champions League group stage and winning the Ukrainian Super Cup – his first trophy as a manager.
In September 2022, he was appointed manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, guiding the Seagulls to their highest-ever Premier League finish in his debut season and securing European qualification for the first time in the club’s history.
During his most recent spell in charge of Marseille, the Ligue 1 side finished as runners-up in the 2024/25 season, earning a place in the UEFA Champions League.
Tottenham’s interim manager Igor Tudor lasted just 44 days in charge, recording only 1 win, 1 draw and 5 defeats in 7 matches, with the club on a 13-match winless run in the league. They currently sit just 1 point above the relegation zone, facing a severe relegation battle.
Prior to Tudor, Tottenham sacked Thomas Frank in February this year, who was appointed last summer.
De Zerbi was dismissed by Marseille in February this year. He had taken over as Marseille manager in July 2024, overseeing 69 matches with a record of 39 wins, 8 draws and 22 defeats. He has previously managed Brighton & Hove Albion, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sassuolo, Benevento and Palermo.
