Roberto De Zerbi makes key financial agreement as Premier League links intensify
Roberto De Zerbi is expected to feature in the conversations going on in several boardrooms in the coming weeks as Premier League clubs seek new managers.
Tottenham sacked Thomas Frank on Wednesday, and the Italian features among the favourites to take over at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Lilywhites are in a precarious position in the Premier League, and may well decide to make a permanent appointment immediately.
Man United are undecided on their next manager ahead of the summer, too, despite their tremendous form under interim boss Michael Carrick.
Crystal Palace will lose Oliver Glasner when the season ends, and Newcastle United, Brighton and Nottingham Forest could also be without managers.
Roberto De Zerbi makes agreement with Marseille upon exit
De Zerbi‘s sudden appearance in the race for several Premier League jobs is due to his sudden departure from Marseille.
The 46-year-old arrived at the Ligue 1 giants at the start of last season and guided them back up to second in the league.
A massive 19-point gap separated them from league-winners PSG, but a return to the Champions League was key for decision-makers.
| Roberto De Zerbi | Marseille |
| Wins | 39 |
| Draws | 8 |
| Losses | 22 |
| Scored | 160 |
| Conceded | 99 |
But this season, De Zerbi’s side have struggled for consistency. A lacklustre European campaign saw them knocked out on the final day on goal difference, and it has been a similar story in the league.
Just weeks ago, Marseille saw off second-placed RC Lens 3-1 at home with the help of new loan signing Ethan Nwaneri.
But on Sunday, PSG crushed OM 5-0 at the Parc des Princes in a terrible 90 minutes that ultimately resulted in De Zerbi’s departure.
Marseille announced on Wednesday that the Italian has left by mutual consent, and according to RMC Sport, negotiations were facilitated by the fact that the manager did not ask to be paid for the final year of his contract.
De Zerbi instead asked that his assistants be more adequately compensated, which Marseille agreed to.
Tottenham have avoid horrendous record vs De Zerbi
Tottenham would normally be minded to bring in an interim manager at this stage of the season, allowing the season to end before a permanent solution is sought.
However, the precarious league situation at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium calls for some urgency over an appointment.
The Lilywhites are only five points clear of the relegation zone, and upcoming fixtures do not get much easier.
There is some motivation to attract De Zerbi away from other Premier League clubs, too, with Tottenham holding a poor record against him.
In four matches, the North London club beat the Italian’s Brighton just once, losing the other four.