Roberto De Zerbi sends first message to Tottenham fans as new manager arrives

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Evening Standard

·1 April 2026

Roberto De Zerbi sends first message to Tottenham fans as new manager arrives

Italian is facing a tricky task in Spurs relegation battle

Roberto De Zerbi has sent his first message to Tottenham fans since he was appointed to be the club’s new manager on Tuesday.

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The Italian has taken over from Igor Tudor, who was sacked after just one win in his seven games in interim charge.

He is Spurs’ third head coach of the campaign after Thomas Frank was dismissed with the north London outfit entrenched in a battle to retain their Premier League status.

Spurs are one point above the relegation zone with seven matches to play, and they sit perilously in 17th place in the table.

De Zerbi, 46, arrived on Wednesday at Hotspur Way, and addressed the supporters in a message posted to the club’s social media channels.

“Hello all the Tottenham fans,” the Italian said.

“I am very happy to stay here with you. It is a very big honour and I am very proud to be your coach. I want to give my best. I want to stay for a long time in this big club. See you soon.”

De Zerbi most recently managed Marseille in Ligue 1, a position he departed in February just three days after a 5-0 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain.

He has previous Premier League experience, having coached Brighton and Hove Albion until 2024.

During his time on the Sussex coast, De Zerbi oversaw 89 matches, winning 38.

De Zerbi’s first game in charge will come on Sunday, April 12, when he takes his side to the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland.

His first home match will be against his former employers Brighton.