Tottenham Hotspur want to convince Roberto de Zerbi to become their new permanent head coach, according to sources.
Igor Tudor has left the club by mutual consent after just 44 days in charge, with chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange tasked with appointing his replacement.
It is understood Tottenham had resolved to part ways with interim boss Tudor following last Sunday’s 3-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest, a result that left them just one point clear of the relegation zone, but wanted to give the Croat a period of time to mourn the death of his father last weekend.
De Zerbi, who is available following his exit from Marseille earlier this season, is a primary target, and Spurs, before the official announcement of Tudor’s departure, tried to ascertain whether the Italian is open to the job.
Multiple sources have told BBC Sport that initial indications are De Zerbi is open to becoming the club’s next permanent head coach, but would prefer to wait until the end of the season, when he knows whether the club is still in the Premier League.
It now remains to be seen whether Tottenham renew their efforts to land former Brighton boss De Zerbi immediately following Tudor’s departure.
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Several Tottenham supporters’ groups have voiced their opposition to the prospect of appointing De Zerbi because of his support for former Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood.
Greenwood, 24, left Manchester United to join De Zerbi at Marseille in 2023, after charges against him, including attempted rape and assault, were dropped.
During his time in the south of France, De Zerbi described Greenwood as a “good guy” who had paid a “heavy price” for his past.
Proud Lilywhites, Spurs’ official LGBTQ+ fans’ group, said: “When someone in that position publicly defends a player like Mason Greenwood, and frames it in a way that downplays the seriousness of what happened, it matters, not just in isolation but in what it signals.”
