Tottenham have added Roberto De Zerbi to their managerial shortlist if Antonio Conte departs after the season.
According to Football Insider, Roberto De Zerbi could be targetted by Tottenham to become their new manager if compatriot Antonio Conte departs. The former Inter Milan and Chelsea boss is no closer to an extension, with his current contract expiring in June.
Antonio Conte has won titles wherever he has managed, with his spells at Juventus, Chelsea, and Inter Milan proof of that. Yet, he could not break the massive trophy duck at Tottenham, despite helping the club progress immensely.
The present scenario at Tottenham with Conte is quite in contrast to how it was earlier in the campaign. The Italian led Spurs to their best-ever start to a Premier League season and also helped them finish fourth in the term before.
A few months ago, Tottenham wanted clarity on Conte’s future and urged the manager to commit to the club. Yet, after preliminary talks between the two parties, they have not taken the issue any further. The fears of Conte departing in June looms large, as Spurs are already looking for possible replacements.
Benfica boss Roger Schmidt was featured on their list of reported targets. He now joins 43-year-old Premier League manager Roberto De Zerbi to replace Conte. The Brighton boss has had a flying start to life in the Premier League, and Spurs want to deploy his style.
De Zerbi has turned Brighton into a solid attacking force, as they rank fourth on the scoring charts in the Premier League. Their 39 goals are only bettered by Man City, Arsenal, and Tottenham, as they lie in 6th on the table.
They are also four points behind Tottenham and could overtake the north Londoners if they win their two games in hand. Even if they finish sixth, that would be their best-ever end to a domestic season. However, Brighton could lose the Italian manager if he gets an offer from Tottenham.
Acquiring Brighton’s manager would prove tricky for Spurs, as the Seagulls hierarchy are tough negotiators. They may have to pay a hefty price to release the Italian from the club, which Spurs might end up paying.
He will have a good impact in north London with the attacking brand of football that Tottenham fans crave. They are somewhat tired of Conte’s pragmatic approach, which has borne results but does not make the team play attractive football.
