Roberto De Zerbi has already given Tottenham answer as new manager favourite suddenly installed
Roberto De Zerbi has emerged as the favourite to take over at Tottenham following the dismissal of Thomas Frank.
Frank was sacked by Tottenham on Wednesday, after Tuesday’s 2-1 loss against Newcastle United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Malick Thiaw and Jacob Ramsey scored on the night, in what was a loss that very much summed up how pathetic Frank‘s reign has been.
Tottenham fans have called for the return of Mauricio Pochettino, but the Argentine would likely want to lead the United States at the World Cup before making any decision.
Oliver Glasner had been the early favourite to take over at Tottenham, but his arrival is another that would have to wait until the summer.
Roberto De Zerbi named Tottenham favourite
It remains to be seen whether Tottenham will make a permanent appointment immediately following Frank’s departure.
The alternative would be to bring in an interim manager until the summer, as Man United did when they brought back Michael Carrick in the wake of Ruben Amorim‘s dismissal.
And Ryan Mason‘s availability following his departure from West Brom in January would appear to provide a perfect opportunity to do exactly that.
| Tottenham – Premier League fixtures | Date |
| Arsenal (H) | 22 Feb |
| Fulham (A) | 1 Mar |
| Crystal Palace (H) | 5 Mar |
| Liverpool (A) | 15 Mar |
| Nottingham Forest (H) | 22 Mar |
There is the reality that decision-makers cannot ignore, however. With West Ham in strong form and Nottingham Forest picking up results here and there, Tottenham could quite easily fall into a relegation battle in the coming weeks.
The mere idea of a club of such size getting relegated sounds ridiculous, but the possibility is very real, and it cannot be ignored.
In that sense, a permanent appointment may be sought now, and De Zerbi‘s departure from Marseille on Wednesday appears to have lined up perfectly.
The former Brighton boss, who has left via mutual consent after several disappointing results, has suddenly been thrust among the favourites for the vacant Tottenham position.
One major bookmaker has slashed De Zerbi’s odds of taking over at Tottenham to 5/6, followed by John Heitinga (9/4), and Pochettino (9/2).
De Zerbi has already given his answer to Premier League return
De Zerbi took over at Brighton following the departure of Graham Potter, and little was known about him.
The Italian had managed Shakhtar Donetsk between 2021 and 2022, but left upon the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
His football at Brighton quickly became apparent, however. De Zerbi’s team played with remarkable bravery, refusing to go long and often pulling off stunning passing moves to score.
The 46-year-old’s team finished sixth in his first season in charge, but after a disappointing second campaign, he left by mutual consent in 2024.
Speaking after his final game in charge of the Seagulls, De Zerbi said: “I hope to work in the Premier League again. I don’t know where or when. But it was an honour to work in the Premier League.”