"Closing in on their man" - Alasdair Gold drops exciting Tottenham managerial update | OneFootball

Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold has revealed that Spurs are closing in on a deal to appoint Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach.

The North London club, currently embroiled in a dire relegation scrap, are moving swiftly following the departure of Igor Tudor, who left the club by mutual consent after just 44 days and zero Premier League wins.

Alasdair Gold gives update on Roberto De Zerbi

Writing on X, Gold shared that the “feeling within Spurs” is one of growing confidence that they have found their man in the former Brighton and Marseille boss.

The Italian’s expansive, possession-based philosophy is seen as a perfect stylistic match for the club’s identity, a “high risk, high reward” approach that Spurs missed under Thomas Frank.

Gold noted internal “question marks” regarding how quickly De Zerbi can implement his complex tactical demands with only seven games remaining to save the club’s top-flight status.

Furthermore, the reporter highlighted potential friction with the fanbase following De Zerbi’s controversial comments regarding Mason Greenwood when he signed him for Marseille.

While Spurs are reportedly offering a lucrative five-year deal to lure the 46-year-old, Gold pointed out that the Italian’s track record doesn’t scream long term.

Gold stated: “Feeling within Spurs is they’re closing in on their man in Roberto De Zerbi. His football matches how club want to play. Question marks over how quickly he can implement it & reaction to his Greenwood comments. Track record doesn’t scream long term but Spurs rarely do long term.”

De Zerbi appointment would shut door on dream Pochettino return

For a large section of the Spurs faithful, the news brings a bittersweet realisation: the door on a romantic return for Mauricio Pochettino appears firmly shut for now.

Despite Pochettino being available and willing to take the Spurs job regardless of their Premier League status, his current commitments with the United States National Team ahead of the 2026 World Cup made an immediate move to N17 logistically impossible.

By moving in for De Zerbi on a permanent basis rather than opting for a short-term “firefighter” like Sean Dyche, the Tottenham hierarchy could be opting against a dream Pochettino return.

If the deal is finalised, De Zerbi will be tasked with the immediate mission of securing Premier League safety, starting with a daunting trip to Sunderland on April 12.