Tottenham Appoints Roberto De Zerbi On Five-Year Deal Amid Fans’ Backlash

Tottenham Hotspur have named Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach on a five-year contract, but the appointment has already sparked strong opposition from supporter groups.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal on 𝕏, writing: “Tottenham agree deal to appoint Roberto De Zerbi as new head coach, here we go! The story revealed yesterday is now confirmed, as De Zerbi has accepted the #THFC job with immediate effect. A five-year deal is set to be signed as De Zerbi decides to accept this challenge.”

Naija News reports that the Italian tactician takes charge immediately following the departure of Igor Tudor, as Spurs attempt to steady a turbulent season and secure their top-flight status.

Tottenham are locked in a relegation battle with seven matches remaining and sit just one point above the drop zone in the Premier League.

The appointment has drawn criticism from the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust, which held an emergency board meeting before contacting the club to express its concerns.

The group told BBC Sport it had received “a lot of emails from supporters” complaining about the decision.

Ali Speechly, co-founder of Women of the Lane, said her group also opposed the move and she would stop attending matches.

The backlash focuses on De Zerbi’s public support for Mason Greenwood after the forward left Manchester United for Olympique de Marseille when rape and physical assault charges against him were dropped.

De Zerbi insisted Greenwood was a “good guy” while suggesting he had paid a “heavy price” for the criticism he received following his arrest in 2022 on suspicion of rape and assault.