Tottenham have appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach on a five-year contract, making him the club's third permanent manager of the season after Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor. The former Brighton and Marseille boss arrives with Spurs sitting 17th in the Premier League one point above the relegation zone with seven games remaining. Sporting director Johan Lange confirmed De Zerbi was their number one summer target, brought in early out of sheer necessity. The Italian had been available since leaving Marseille in February following a 5-0 humiliation by PSG. His contract reportedly contains Ferguson-style managerial powers over transfers and sporting decisions, a clause that convinced him to take the job now rather than wait. The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust raised concerns about the appointment due to De Zerbi's previous public backing of Mason Greenwood at Marseille a controversy the new manager is expected to address at his first press conference. His first game is away at Sunderland on April 12. Seven games. One point of safety. Tottenham have not been relegated since 1977. Everything is on the line.
