Roberto De Zerbi commits to Tottenham tenure irrespective of relegation battle result

The Italian secured a five-year contract on Tuesday as Spurs sit precariously one point clear of the relegation places.

De Zerbi faces the task of rescuing Tottenham in just seven matches, with the club having avoided the lower divisions since 1978.

Earlier reports indicated the ex-Brighton and Marseille manager was reluctant to take over Spurs mid-season, yet he accepted after being tempted by a generous five-year agreement placing him among the top-earning managers in the Premier League.

He refuted claims of any contractual provision permitting departure should Spurs suffer relegation.

"I agreed to a five-year deal because this represents a major opportunity for me," De Zerbi stated in an interview for the club's internal media outlet.

"I am set to manage Tottenham next season regardless of the outcome.

"At this juncture, Tottenham offers perhaps the greatest test of my professional life. I am prepared to embrace it."

De Zerbi built a solid standing in English football over two years leading Brighton from 2022 to 2024.

His stint at Marseille began promisingly, as the team ended runners-up to Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 last term, earning a Champions League spot.

However, he departed the Ligue 1 side in February after a failure to advance beyond the group stage in the Champions League and a crushing 5-0 loss to PSG.

Not all Tottenham supporters have embraced his arrival.

Certain fan organisations have voiced concerns over his backing of Mason Greenwood while at Marseille.

The ex-England forward Greenwood faced suspension from Manchester United in January 2022 amid claims of attempted rape and sexual assault.

Authorities withdrew the charges against Greenwood in February 2023, with him consistently rejecting the accusations, before moving to Marseille shortly after De Zerbi in July 2024.

"I have never sought to minimise the problem of violence towards women or anyone else," De Zerbi remarked, addressing the matter in his mother tongue Italian.

"People close to me understand I am not someone who bends principles for an extra victory or trophy.

"I regret if this subject has upset anyone. As a father to a daughter, I am particularly attuned to such matters. Over time, I trust supporters will learn more about me and realise no position was intended."