By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Tottenham Hotspur have appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their new manager in a desperate move to stave off relegation from the Premier League.
Spurs have given him a five-year contract but all eyes are on the remainder of this season.
The London club are one point and one place above the relegation zone with seven matches to play.
“I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world,” De Zerbi said.
“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.”
“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.”
De Zerbi has been the overwhelming first choice to become the club’s new permanent head coach.
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.”
After guiding Brighton to European qualification during his stint in the Premier League between 2022 and 2024, De Zerbi took Marseille to second in Ligue 1 last season before leaving in February.