By Anietie anii-bassey
Tottenham Hotspur are moving swiftly in their search for a new head coach, with the club now in advanced negotiations with Italian manager Roberto De Zerbi as they attempt to stabilize a season that has spiraled into crisis. Sources close to the discussions indicate that talks have progressed positively and are edging toward a final agreement, with Spurs increasingly hopeful of securing his appointment on a long-term contract.
The 46-year-old, who previously impressed in the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion, had initially preferred to delay any decision about his next role until the end of the season. However, Tottenham’s worsening situation has prompted a shift in approach from both sides, with the club now pushing hard to bring him in immediately. De Zerbi has been out of work since leaving Marseille in February, making him available for a swift return to management.
Tottenham’s urgency reflects the scale of the challenge they face. The North London club currently sit 17th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone, and have yet to record a league victory in 2026. What began as a difficult campaign has deteriorated into a full-blown survival battle, raising serious concerns about the club’s top-flight status.
The managerial instability has only compounded those concerns. Interim head coach Igor Tudor departed the club by mutual consent on Sunday after just 44 days in charge. His exit followed a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, a result that appears to have sealed his fate. However, it is understood that Tottenham delayed finalizing his departure out of respect, allowing Tudor time to mourn the recent passing of his father.
Responsibility for appointing a new manager now rests with chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange, both of whom are under intense pressure to make the right call at a critical moment in the club’s history. Their decision could determine whether Tottenham avoid relegation or face one of the most damaging outcomes in their modern era.
Despite the apparent progress in talks with De Zerbi, the potential appointment has not been universally welcomed. Several Tottenham supporters’ groups have expressed strong opposition, largely due to the Italian’s public support for Mason Greenwood during his time in France. Greenwood, now 24, left Manchester United to join De Zerbi at Marseille in 2023 after serious charges against him, including attempted rape and assault, were dropped.
During his tenure in Ligue 1, De Zerbi described Greenwood as a “good guy” who had paid a “heavy price” for past events. Those comments have drawn criticism from sections of the Spurs fanbase, with the official supporters’ group Proud Lilywhites stating that such remarks risk downplaying the seriousness of the situation and send the wrong message about the club’s values.
While De Zerbi appears to be the leading candidate, Tottenham have explored alternative options as they weigh both immediate survival needs and longer-term planning. Sean Dyche, recently dismissed by Nottingham Forest, has been considered as a short-term solution.
Known for his ability to organize teams defensively and steer clubs clear of relegation, Dyche’s profile fits Tottenham’s current predicament. However, negotiations could prove difficult, as he is believed to be seeking a minimum 18-month contract rather than a purely short-term arrangement.
Another name that continues to resonate strongly with supporters is Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine enjoyed a highly successful spell during his previous tenure at Tottenham, leading the club to a Champions League final and restoring a sense of identity and competitiveness. However, his current commitments as head coach of the United States national team, particularly with the upcoming World Cup, make an immediate return highly unlikely.
In the absence of a permanent appointment, several figures with strong ties to Tottenham have been identified as possible interim solutions. Former players such as Ryan Mason, Harry Redknapp, and Tim Sherwood have all been mentioned as candidates willing to step in on a temporary basis until the end of the season. Current defender Ben Davies has also been considered as a potential short-term option, reflecting the club’s willingness to explore unconventional solutions in a time of need.
Additional names linked to interim roles include former Spurs players Glenn Hoddle and Chris Hughton, both of whom bring experience and a deep understanding of the club’s culture. Meanwhile, former Monaco head coach Adi Hütter had been discussed as a possible candidate, but he has effectively ruled himself out. In a recent statement, he reiterated that he does not intend to return to management until at least the start of the next season, maintaining a stance he first outlined after leaving his previous role in October 2025.
Tottenham’s current situation is further complicated by broader issues that have plagued the club in recent seasons, including inconsistent recruitment, frequent managerial changes, and a lack of clear long-term direction. The team’s struggles on the pitch have been mirrored by unrest among supporters, with growing frustration over performances, results, and decision-making at the highest level.
As negotiations with De Zerbi continue, the coming days are expected to be decisive. For Tottenham, the appointment represents more than just a managerial change—it is a pivotal moment that could define the trajectory of the club for years to come. Whether De Zerbi can bring the tactical innovation and attacking philosophy that earned him praise at Brighton, while also navigating the intense pressure of a relegation battle, remains to be seen.
What is clear, however, is that time is running out. With the season entering a critical phase and the threat of relegation looming large, Tottenham must act quickly and decisively if they are to salvage their campaign and restore stability to one of England’s most prominent football clubs.