De Zerbi speaks on becoming new Spurs manager; Supporters’ Trust ‘seriously concerned’

Roberto De Zerbi speaks on becoming new Spurs manager, with the Tottenham Supporters’ Trust saying they are ‘seriously concerned’.

The THST say that many fans have been in touch with them to urge them to communicate the strength of feeling. And they have done that directly to the club.

They go on to say that their preference, instead of giving Roberto Di Zerbi a long-term contract, their preference would have been for a short-term appointment to bring someone in who, in their words, understands the club

Also addressed is concerns about the fact that when Roberto Di Zerbi was at Marseille, Marseille signed Mason Greenwood, controversial comments were made by Roberto Di Zerbi about Mason Greenwood.

They knew that some fans would be unhappy about it, and have spoken to Roberto Di Zerbi, addressed behind closed doors with it to be addressed in public as well, according to Kaveh Solhekol.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as our new Men’s Head Coach on a long-term contract, subject to work permit.

🔗 https://t.co/DtXe0YJSlr pic.twitter.com/64tybrOhmr

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 31, 2026

CLUB STATEMENT:

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as our new Men’s Head Coach on a long-term contract, subject to work permit.

Roberto 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.

“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.”

Sporting Director, Johan Lange, said: “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.”

Following a playing career of almost 300 appearances across 15 years, Brescia-born Roberto began coaching in his native Italy and in June, 2018, joined Serie A side Sassuolo, earning recognition for his exciting, attack-minded and possession-based approach.

He took charge of Shakhtar Donetsk in May, 2021, leading them to the UEFA Champions League group stage and the Ukrainian Super Cup – his first piece of silverware as a coach.

Heading to East Sussex to join Brighton & Hove Albion in September, 2022, Roberto helped secure the Seagulls’ highest ever Premier League finish in his debut season, earning European qualification for the first time in the club’s history.

In his most recent role at Marseille, the Ligue 1 side finished as runners-up in 2024/25, earning a spot in the UEFA Champions League.

The Tottenham Hotspur supporters trust have released a statement this evening stating they have communicated their concerns around the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi. pic.twitter.com/80QoE919lC

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 31, 2026

Trust statement on De Zerbi appointment

We note the Club’s announcement of the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi to the Manager role.

While we recognise the limited pool of managers with recent Premier League experience, and the need to act with urgency as Spurs face the prospect of relegation, this appointment raises serious and far-reaching concerns, and many fans have been in touch with us to urge us to communicate the strength of feeling. We raised these concerns directly with the Club prior to its announcement.

The Club has previously committed to challenging instances of violence against women and girls and acting with integrity and upholding its values when faced with any incidents.

De Zerbi’s comments about Mason Greenwood were unnecessary, ill-judged, and deeply offensive to a significant number of supporters and, without doubt, will have left victims of male violence alarmed. We believe these statements, left unchecked, will create a divide among supporters at a time when we all need to be pulling together to back the team. It is concerning that the Club would put us in this position right when the team needs fans the most. Fans are rallying behind the “All Together, Always” initiative, and this appointment places heavy strain on that unity. If those remarks reflect his genuine views, they cast a troubling shadow over the values of the Club we love.

The Club must reassert its commitment to the values that fans hold dear—chief among them equality, respect, and integrity. Any perceived sympathy toward alleged perpetrators of physical or sexual violence against women fundamentally undermines trust in the custodianship of this Club.

With this appointment, communications from the Club and from Mr De Zerbi must clearly and unequivocally reaffirm these values. Furthermore, those words must be backed by meaningful action, including visible and sustained support for women’s charities and organisations working to combat violence against women.

Our preference would have been for a short-term appointment of an individual or individuals who understand the Club and can lead the players in the seven battles to come. There would then have been an opportunity in the summer to attract a wide range of potential applicants with a track record of success in inspiring fans and players: candidates who could lead and develop sustained success for the team, for seasons to come. The Club has chosen otherwise. We will continue to support efforts to get behind the team and play our part in preserving the Club’s Premier League status but it is understandable that many fans will do so with a heavy heart.

Our Five Principles for Spurs ownership include Leading with Integrity and Championing Ethical Standards. At present, supporters rate performance in this area at just 2.2 out of 10. This decision risks further eroding confidence unless addressed with clarity, humility, and decisive action.

We fully understand that the immediate priority is to avoid relegation. However, this situation is the result of prolonged strategic failings. THST have warned for years that the Club was heading in this direction, and the lack of timely, sound decision-making has now left options severely compromised.

It will take significant effort for many fans to restore their faith in the Club’s leadership. That process must begin with transparency, accountability and a renewed commitment to the principles that define Tottenham Hotspur.

De Zerbi appointment faces backlash after three Tottenham supporters’ groups release statements