Tottenham have appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their third head coach of the season.
De Zerbi has agreed terms over a five-year contract with Spurs, currently one point above the Premier League’s bottom three, which does not include a relegation release clause.
Spurs are fighting to avoid a first top-flight relegation since 1977 in the final seven games of the season.
De Zerbi has more than a week to prepare for his first game, a trip to Sunderland on April 12, live on Sky Sports, and says climbing the table is Spurs’ “priority” and will have his “complete focus”.
The pressure is on to get this appointment right after Igor Tudor’s disastrous 44-day spell in which he failed to win a Premier League game. Spurs have moved on three head coaches in the past year.
De Zerbi, who was previously reluctant to take a job before the summer after leaving Marseille, says he was convinced to join Spurs on a “long-term contract” after discussions with the club’s leadership.
“Their ambition for the future has been clear – to build a team capable of reaching great achievements, and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters,” De Zerbi told the Spurs website.
“I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it.”
Sporting director Johan Lange said Spurs are pleased De Zerbi, their first choice to take over in the summer, has agreed to take on the mantle of keeping them in the Premier League.
“He is one of the most creative and forward-thinking coaches in world football, and brings with him a wealth of experience at the highest level, including in the Premier League,” Lange added.
