Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood has formally backed the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi, labeling the Italian the “perfect” candidate to lead the Lilywhites’ long-term rebuilding project.
The confirmation comes at a time when Spurs are facing an unprecedented crisis. Spurs are currently searching for a third manager for the chaotic 2025-26 season, with manager Igor Tudor sacked after just 44 days.
Download the official CaughtOffSide app to get all the latest news and updates straight to your phone. above apple & Google play
Tim Sherwood talks about Roberto De Zerbi
Sherwood admitted he has long admired the former Brighton and Marseille manager and said he would be a great fit for the club.
He highlighted De Zerbi’s uncompromising nature as both a strength and a potential point of friction in Tottenham’s hierarchy.
Sherwood told Sky Sports (via the Mirror):
“I love his personality and the way the team plays, but they’re open and in some games they can get hammered. They won’t get hammered between now and the end of the season.
“We saw his Marseille team play against Liverpool with an open style. He opens the pitch and the way he plays is wide.”
“We know how stubborn this guy is. This guy is difficult to deal with, but I like him for that, he has his own ideas and gets his own way, so that’s my only reservation.”
“If he can get them over the line, I think Tottenham are the best manager to take them forward. The priority is just to keep them in the league.”
De Zerbi’s outstanding coaching record
The Italian has built a reputation as one of Europe’s top tacticians, with a career marked by frenetic football in the three major leagues.
During his time with Shakhtar, he scored an impressive 2.17 points per game.
He famously helped Brighton qualify for Europe for the first time in their history, before a brief but successful spell at Marseille.
He recently averaged 1.81 points per game in France before departing in February 2026.
| club | match | victory | draw | loss | Points per match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| marseille olympics | 69 | 39 | 8 | twenty two | 1.81 |
| Brighton & Hove Albion | 89 | 38 | 20 | 31 | 1.51 |
| Shakhtar Donetsk | 30 | 20 | 5 | 5 | 2.17 |
| sassuolo | 120 | 43 | 36 | 41 | 1.38 |
Roberto de Zerbi stats (via Transfermarkt)
With seven games left and Spurs sitting just one point above the relegation zone, Spurs are reportedly willing to offer De Zerbi a lucrative long-term contract.
Leaders will be hoping he can make an immediate impact that can provide the spark needed to avoid a historic championship fall.
