The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has often been a good hunting ground for Spurs’ opponents in the last two seasons. In fact, they have more managers (3) than home league wins (2) this season.
However, Roberto De Zerbi won’t have fond memories of the stadium he will now be returning to. Tottenham have appointed the Italian as their new head coach, signing him on a five-year contract.
The 46-year-old mutually parted ways with Marseille in February after falling out with their hierarchy and some of the players. He, notably, also had a falling out with Brighton’s hierarchy, highlighting his fiery nature.
De Zerbi was sent off at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
De Zerbi is known to be a volatile manager. This has also led to the likes of Simon Jordan criticizing Spurs for their long-term offer.
Notably, in 2023, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium got to witness the Italian’s fiery nature firsthand. During a Premier League clash between Brighton and Spurs, both De Zerbi and Christian Stellini were shown red cards.
The tension started pre-match as De Zerbi was seen pointing fingers at Stellini. He was reportedly displeased with the latter’s comments in his pre-match press conference. Stellini had suggested that a big part of the credit for Brighton’s good performances should go to their former manager, Graham Potter.
The tension between De Zerbi and Stellini grew throughout the match. As both dugouts and assistants also got involved, both Italian coaches were sent off in the second half. After the game, De Zerbi said (h/t Daily Mail):
“Yes (I felt disrespected). It’s a personal situation. I told him my opinion, my idea, not bad words, only my opinion. I’m used to always respecting everyone inside and outside of the pitch.
“I don’t like it when people don’t respect me. But there are normal situations in football. It’s personal things. I always respect everyone, especially the coaches. I can answer for me, not for him.”
Incidentally, De Zerbi’s first home game in charge of Tottenham will be against his former side, Brighton, on April 18.
De Zerbi gave Stellini his only win as Tottenham’s interim manager
Stellini had joined Antonio Conte as an assistant manager at Tottenham in November 2021. However, following the latter’s sacking in 2023, Stellini was appointed as their interim manager.
Stellini managed just four games before his sacking and garnered one win, two defeats, and one draw. His only win came in that fiery game against Brighton, as Spurs won 2-1. Heung-min Son and Harry Kane scored for the hosts, while Lewis Dunk scored for the Seagulls.
As an opposing manager, De Zerbi only beat Tottenham once in four meetings, losing the other three times. However, he will now hope to start winning with them quickly, starting against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on April 12.
