Roberto De Zerbi reveals Tottenham 'ambition' as club make demands clear to new boss

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Roberto De Zerbi has been told he needs to create a Tottenham team "capable of reaching great achievements" that also "excites supporters" after being confirmed as the new boss in north London.

The Italian has come in to replace Igor Tudor, who lasted just 44 days in his role before he was relieved of his duties after securing just a single Premier League point from five games.

De Zerbi was out of work having left Marseille in February but made a name for himself whilst in charge at Brighton between 2022 and 2024. His style of play won plaudits and he's been tasked with replicating that in the capital as Tottenham seek to rediscover the form of yesteryear.

The club won the Europa League last year, although that was their first trophy since 2008, and have previously been Champions League regulars. Tottenham's hierarchy, despite two dire years domestically, retain lofty ambitions and they have been made clear to De Zerbi.

He 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."

Despite Tottenham's long-term desires, there remains the genuine possibility that they slip into the Championship with the club just a point above the bottom three. They haven't won in the league in 2026 and were hammered 3-0 by relegation rivals Nottingham Forest last time out. As a result De Zerbi knows his initial remit is to secure top flight safety.

“Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table," said the Italian. "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.”

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De Zerbi has penned a lucrative contract, which is understood to include to relegation clause. Tottenham have been through two managers already this season with Tudor replacing Thomas Frank, but the Italian was their top candidate the minute they went back on the hunt.

One of his former players, Neal Maupay, whom he managed at Brighton, has confessed that De Zerbi's ideals and principles won't be implemented overnight despite the need for an instant impact. The striker told Sky Sports News: "What he wants to do will take time!"