Tottenham seek new manager as De Zerbi emerges as frontrunner
Tottenham are working to persuade Roberto De Zerbi to take charge at the club before the current campaign concludes, following the dismissal of Igor Tudor, with Glenn Hoddle emerging as a candidate as well, reports BritPanorama.
The north London side find themselves hunting for their fourth head coach within a period of just 295 days after Tudor’s departure, having won only one of his seven matches in charge. This latest setback has intensified fears of relegation, prompting an urgent managerial search.
De Zerbi, the 46-year-old Italian who has also been connected with the Manchester United vacancy, ranks among the leading candidates for the position. However, the former Brighton and Marseille boss is believed to prefer waiting until the summer before taking on a new role.
Meanwhile, some supporters have raised concerns about Hoddle’s involvement in rehabilitating Mason Greenwood’s career during his time at Marseille. Despite these complications, Spurs continue their efforts to convince De Zerbi to accept the role immediately. One potential candidate, Adi Hutter, has already removed himself from contention, stating he prefers to return as a head coach at the start of the new season.
Hutter’s withdrawal represents a setback for Spurs, who had been cautious about appointing managers unfamiliar with English football. The club is now contemplating an extraordinary move for Hoddle, regarded as one of Tottenham’s finest ever players. Hoddle, now 68, last managed Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2006 and has indicated his readiness to assist the club during this turbulent period.
Throughout the past week, Spurs have been assessing their options following the damaging loss to Nottingham Forest. Hoddle, who managed Tottenham from 2001 to 2003 and later worked on Harry Redknapp’s coaching staff at Queens Park Rangers, is among those suggesting they could step in to help the club through this difficult time.
Sean Dyche currently leads the bookmakers’ odds for the position but has distanced himself from the role. Other former managers, including Tim Sherwood and Harry Redknapp, have also expressed their willingness to assist, while Chris Hughton and Ryan Mason are mentioned as candidates due to their Spurs connections and recent coaching experience.
The club remains hesitant to offer any incoming manager a lengthy contract, preferring to keep their options open ahead of the summer transfer window. Mauricio Pochettino, a fan favourite from his previous spell, could become available after fulfilling his commitment to the United States national team post-World Cup.
As Spurs navigate this tumultuous period, the managerial search underscores the challenges of finding stability in a competitive Premier League landscape. With the pressure mounting and a season filled with uncertainty, Tottenham’s next move will be crucial in shaping their future on and off the pitch.
