Tottenham Hotspur have officially confirmed on their website that Roberto De Zerbi will take over as head coach on a ‘long-term contract’, subject to a work permit.
The Italian has replaced Igor Tudor at the helm, who was sacked after just 43 days in charge of the club, after failing to win a Premier League game in five attempts.
De Zerbi initially had inhibitions about joining Tottenham, with the club currently in the middle of a relegation battle.
However, after Tudor’s departure, the North London outfit went all out to land him as they didn’t want to wait until the summer to make a permanent appointment.
And De Zerbi’s first interview with the club proves he is here for the long haul as he revealed exactly why he decided to join Tottenham.
De Zerbi impressed by Tottenham’s vision
After leaving Marseille last month, it looked like the Italian would wait until the summer to return to the touchline.
However, he has done so in just over a month, although he doesn’t have much time to get his ideas through to the players, as Tottenham need points on the board immediately.
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De Zerbi says he was impressed by Tottenham’s long-term vision, which is probably why he made a U-turn by agreeing to accept their proposal.
“I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world,” said the Italian to Tottenham’s official website.
“In all my discussions with the Club’s leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear – to build a team capable of reaching great achievements, and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters.
“I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it.
“Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season.
“I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that.”
Johan Lange hails De Zerbi
While it was initially reported that Tottenham could turn to Sean Dyche to help them fight relegation, they put all their eggs in the De Zerbi basket quickly after Tudor’s dismissal.
Sporting Director Johan Lange confirmed that the Italian was their number one target for a permanent manager role in the summer, so they just advanced their decision by a few months.
“Roberto was our number one target for the summer and we are very pleased to be able to bring him in now,” said Lange.
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“He is one of the most creative and forward-thinking coaches in world football, and brings with him a wealth of experience at the highest level, including in the Premier League.”
De Zerbi doesn’t have a relegation clause in his Tottenham contract, which is further proof that he is here for the long haul.
A lot has been said about the Italian in recent weeks, but Spurs will hope he works his magic to get them out of trouble as they are in desperate need of wins in the Premier League.
His first game in charge of the club will be on the 12th of April when Tottenham travel to the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland.
