Let's all laugh at Totteringham

[quit yo jibbajabba]

Lewis Dunk said the first two weeks of dezerbi were crazy in terms of getting used to him, new system, training etc. not sure if spurs have time for two more weeks for readjusting

[tiempo]

Was hoping they'd give it to legend Arry or legend Tim to take them down, which would have been similar to Shearer taking Toon down which was rather hilarious

[lurganblue]

Was hoping they'd give it to legend Arry or legend Tim to take them down, which would have been similar to Shearer taking Toon down which was rather hilarious

Sob on the Tyne

[seafoid]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2026/03/31/tottenham-braced-for-de-zerbi-carnage-method-to-madness/

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach – with no relegation clause in his five-year contract.

Telegraph Sport first revealed earlier this month that Tottenham were in talks with the 46-year-old Italian.

At that time it was expected a deal would be agreed to take over in the summer but Tottenham continued a dialogue with De Zerbi and have persuaded him to come now as the club fights to remain in the Premier League.

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Spurs and De Zerbi have discussed his comments around Mason Greenwood, who played under him at Marseille. Four Spurs supporters' group have claimed that De Zerbi should not be appointed because of his apparent previous support for Greenwood.

In November, De Zerbi described Greenwood as a "good guy" while suggesting he had paid a "heavy price" for the criticism he received after his arrest nearly four years prior on a suspicion of rape and assault. The charges were later dropped.

In an exclusive interview with Telegraph Sport, De Zerbi said of Greenwood: "First of all, I feel very sad. I feel sorry about what he had to live [through]. I know him very well, I know his family, his girlfriend and I don't want to speak about personal matters.

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"But regarding him I can only say good things. First of all as a person and then as a player. We all know him and behind this introverted and quiet guy there is a very smart boy with a big heart who probably didn't manage his early success in the best possible way. Now I see a mature man and I hope that he can have some satisfaction in his life. First with his girlfriend, as a father and his family, and then as a football player."

Both Spurs and De Zerbi are sensitive to those Greenwood comments and they were carefully considered and discussed as part of the recruitment. Nevertheless De Zerbi can expect to face questions about Greenwood at his first Spurs press conference.

Spurs targeted De Zerbi after sacking Thomas Frank in February but it was also too soon after his departure from Marseille for him to take a new job. Even so, he has made it clear that he wanted to return to the Premier League and was, until recently, also on Manchester United's shortlist.

De Zerbi's passion and intensity challenges players on the training pitch, but his football can be spectacular Credit: Manon Cruz/Reuters

The fact Spurs have negotiated a deal without a release clause will come as a relief to the club who would have faced criticism from their fans. The club will regard hiring De Zerbi at this stage as something of a coup.

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Spurs were determined to make a permanent appointment following the disastrous 44 days under interim Igor Tudor, during which they have slipped to just a point above the relegation places.

De Zerbi said of his appointment: "I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world.

"In all my 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."

[Captain Obvious]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2026/03/31/tottenham-braced-for-de-zerbi-carnage-method-to-madness/

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach – with no relegation clause in his five-year contract.

Played Spurs like a fiddle to get that contract. 

[thewobbler]

The madness of football. A club that is still paying the wages of at least 2 former managers, a club that has had one man in 40 years reach 5 years in charge, handing out a 5 year contract to a man who falls out with everyone who employs him.

[tiempo]

There's levels to football, and there's levels to football administration, and Spurs are operating like a 9 in a row SPL team hoping to bank their tenth, an absolute shambles

[Captain Scarlet]

So the same players who won't track runners or even break a sweat at times this season are going to be all-in for some high intensity coaching?

Honestly think they are done, but on the bright side I was hoping to go to the stadium next year and Championship tickets are way cheaper...

[seafoid]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2026/04/12/sunderland-vs-tottenham-live-score-updates-premier-league/

Tottenham lose in De Zerbi's first game in charge to remain in drop zone – reaction

12 April 2026 4:28pm BST

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Roberto De Zerbi looks on as Spurs lose again Credit: Scott Heppell/Reuters

Roberto De Zerbi has negotiated a deal that makes him one of the best-paid managers in the Premier League and he will have to earn every penny if he is going to save Tottenham Hotspur from relegation.

After all the talk of the positive impact the Italian has made on the training ground, despite all praise he has given to the players he inherited, this was a sharp and painful reminder of their limitations. They look like a poor team heading for the Championship.

It was never going to be easy facing a Sunderland side who have caused far better sides than Spurs problems this season, but there was little sign of a new manager bounce in their performance.

Sunderland's goal was extremely fortunate, as Nordi Mukiele's shot took a massive deflection of Micky van de Ven, wrong footing Antonin Kinsky and looping into the net, but the way the Spurs defence allowed the right-back to progress up the pitch and then cut inside off the wing to get a shot away was really poor. And when things are going against you...

De Zerbi has built his reputation on the attacking flair of the teams he has managed but there was little evidence of that in his first game.

The visitors looked to be compact and tight, largely playing on the counter attack, but they looked vulnerable at set-pieces and Sunderland were the more dangerous team throughout.

With the exception of one excellent move at the start of the game, which almost led to a goal for Lucas Bergvall, this was a largely functional attacking display which created a few half chances and little more. 

Spurs players react after going behind at Sunderland Credit: Scott Heppell/Reuters

Spurs did not create a goalscoring opportunity after falling behind until deep in stoppage time when Pedro Porro went close with a long-range strike.

As for Sunderland, they are incredibly good at what they do and they enter the final six games of the season chasing a European spot. What a remarkable season they are having.

The result leaves Tottenham in the relegation zone, two points behind West Ham.

[Tony Baloney]

If they go down it will bring some solace to Arsenal fans when City pip them to the league title.