Tottenham appoint De Zerbi as head coach with a long-term contract

Roberto De Zerbi was hired as Tottenham’s third coach of the season on Tuesday in a last-ditch effort by one of England’s top clubs to avoid costly relegation from the Premier League.

The appointment came amid criticism from fan groups over the Italian coach’s previous support for a player accused of – but not convicted of – offenses including attempted rape.

Tottenham, the reigning Europa League champions and an ever-present in England’s top division since 1978, are one point above the relegation zone in the Premier League with seven games to go.

De Zerbi replaces Igor Tudor, who was fired on Sunday after 44 days as interim coach and left Marseille in February. He previously worked in the Premier League as manager of Brighton.

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While in Marseille, De Zerbi coached former Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood, who was charged in October 2022 with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault after images and videos were posted online.

British prosecutors dropped the charges in February 2023 due to a «combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses» and because of «no realistic prospect of conviction.»

De Zerbi said Greenwood was a «good guy» who «paid a lot for what happened.» d89LjskS.

Women of the Lane, a women’s support group affiliated with the club, questioned De Zerbi’s «judgment and leadership» for the way he «publicly defended Mason Greenwood in a way that downplays the severity of male violence against women and girls» and it was «not an agreement Tottenham Hotspur should make.»

Published on March 31, 2026