Tottenham have entrusted their Premier League survival in the hands of Roberto De Zerbi after officially appointing the Italian manager on a huge five-year contract.
Spurs, who are perilously floating just a point above the relegation zone with seven games to go, sacked Igor Tudor on Sunday just 44 days after the interim manager arrived in north London.
Former Brighton boss De Zerbi had been available since his exit from Marseille in February and was understood to have been reluctant to take the Spurs job immediately, preferring to join the club in the summer.
However, Spurs have been successful in persuading the Italian to join the relegation-threatened club immediately, offering both a five-year deal and a huge salary only topped by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola in the Premier League.
As part of Tottenham’s official announcement on the club website, De Zerbi said: ‘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.
‘I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it.
Tottenham have appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their new manager amid the threat of relegation
The ex-Brighton boss joins days after Igor Tudor (above) was sacked by the north London club
‘Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season.
‘I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that.’
Johan Lange, Tottenham’s sporting director, added: ‘Roberto was our number one target for the summer and we are very pleased to be able to bring him in now.
‘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.’
Spurs head into the final seven games of the season in 17th place, a mere point ahead of West Ham United and two points behind Nottingham Forest, who comprehensively beat them 3-0 prior to the international break.
More to follow.
