New Woking boss Jermain Defoe shuts down Tottenham links after Roberto De Zerbi appointment | OneFootball

Jermain Defoe has backed Roberto De Zerbi to keep relegation-threatened Tottenham in the Premier League - but appeared to shut down any murmurs that he was also in contention for the job.

Former Brighton and Marseille boss De Zerbi is Spurs' third manager of a miserable season, having been appointed on Tuesday with the club sitting just a point above the drop zone.

Defoe, who is also starting a new role this week after taking charge of National League side Woking, had two spells with Tottenham as a player and also began his coaching career in north London.

There had been talk that Defoe may have been in contention for the vacant position at his former club, though the ex-striker seemed as surprised as anyone when asked about the rumours.

“Oh really?” replied Defoe when asked if he was approached by Spurs, before joking: “I don’t know... yeah I did actually!

“You always want to wish the teams that you played for the best but it’s important to focus on my job here. I’m just delighted with the opportunity. I sound like a broken record but I can’t wait to get started.

“This is all a part of it, all the press stuff. I understand that, all the noise that comes with it.”

Defoe, who did admit he had interviews with multiple clubs before joining Woking, nevertheless offered his verdict on De Zerbi, whose resume also includes spells at Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk.

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Jermain Defoe has backed Roberto De Zerbi to succeed at Spurs (Getty Images)

"He's someone that comes in with an unbelievable CV," Defoe said.

"When you look at his playing style, as football fans you have to appreciate and enjoy the way they play.

"I remember the (De Zerbi) Brighton team, watching Brighton play thinking, 'wow, this is the right way to play football'.

"He's going into a massive football club but he's someone with a good CV and someone who backs himself."

Tottenham sacked Igor Tudor on Sunday following one point from five top-flight games during his brief tenure, having only dispensed with Thomas Frank on 11 February.

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Igor Tudor’s ill-fated spell as Tottenham interim head coach ended after 44 days (PA Wire)

"I just hope this group of players can respond and get the results they need," continued Defoe.

"A lot of the players haven't experienced this before, the fans and the club have not been through this situation before.

"Hopefully they can come out of it and with this manager, I'm sure he's good enough to get the results they need."

Former England striker Defoe has been contacted by a host of managers and players past and present since taking on the first permanent role of his managerial career on Sunday.

The 43-year-old ultimately wants to lead Woking into the English Football League for the first time in the club's 139-year history.

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Defoe is the new manager of National League side Woking (Adam Davy/PA Wire)

He watched from the stands on Tuesday evening as the 10th-placed Cards drew 1-1 with Altrincham and will begin his reign on Friday at home to Eastleigh.

"The main objective is of course to get promoted," said Defoe, who will be assisted by Paul Bracewell and takes over with the team 11 points off a play-off spot with six games remaining.

"There are some top players here, the games I've watched I've been really impressed and I believe that me and my coaching staff can go to the next level.

"You have to be confident. You always have to back yourself and believe you can make a difference.

"There have been some unbelievable messages from players I've played with and current players and managers and people in the game, which is a nice feeling.

"But the fact of the matter is you've got to win football matches and that's why I'm here."