Tottenham’s decision to appoint Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach has come with a rare and stringent financial safeguard: a “relegation clause” that would see the Italian’s wages slashed if the club fails to avoid the drop.

According to a report by Football Paparazzi, the contract includes a specific provision designed to protect the club’s long-term financial health.

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Should the worst-case scenario occur and Spurs be relegated to the Championship for the first time since 1977, De Zerbi’s salary would significantly reduce to align with the second tier of English football.

Roberto De Zerbi: Tottenham contract details in full

As per reports, De Zerbi will earn a salary in the region of £12m–£15m, making him the third highest-paid manager in the Premier League, behind only Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.

The lucrative terms were necessary to convince the former Brighton and Marseille boss to take over a side currently sitting 17th in the table with only seven games remaining.

The report also mentions a “survival bonus” which is going to be a massive one time payment if he successfully manages to save the club from relegation with just seven games to go.

De Zerbi’s appointment has not gone down well with fans

Despite the high-profile nature of the hire, the appointment has been met with backlash from the fanbase.

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) released a scathing statement criticising the board for hiring a manager who publicly defended Mason Greenwood during his time in France.

Groups like Women of the Lane and Proud Lilywhites also voiced opposition.

De Zerbi arrives at a fractured club with troubles on and off the pitch, where the “relegation clause” in his contract feels less like a formality and more like a looming reality.

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Liverpool have been dealt a significant injury blow as star right-back Jeremie Frimpong was forced off just 12 minutes into his appearance for the Netherlands against Ecuador on Tuesday night.

The 25-year-old, who joined the Reds from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, was introduced as a half-time substitute for Cody Gakpo but lasted less than a quarter of an hour before limping straight down the tunnel.

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Ronald Koeman confirms injury to Jeremie Frimpong

Speaking in his post-match press conference following the 1-1 draw in Eindhoven, Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman confirmed that the substitution was enforced.

While the exact nature of the injury is still being assessed by the Dutch medical team, early reports suggest a recurrence of the muscle issues that have plagued Frimpong’s first season on Merseyside.

“It is a muscular problem. Jeremie felt something sharp and we could not take the risk. It is disappointing for him and for his club, especially in such a short space of time after coming on.”

Frimpong’s frustrating debut season at Liverpool

The injury marks the latest chapter in what has been a stop-start debut campaign for the £29.5m signing.

Despite a blistering start where he scored on his debut in the Community Shield, Frimpong has already endured two significant layoffs this season.

He missed the opening month of the Premier League with a hamstring strain and was sidelined again for nearly eight weeks between December and February.

This latest setback comes just as he had regained his starting spot under Arne Slot, having played 60 minutes in each of Liverpool’s last three fixtures prior to the international break.

Liverpool’s right-back woes continue

With a crucial FA Cup clash against Manchester City looming on Saturday, Liverpool’s defensive options are stretched to the limit.

Backup right-back Conor Bradley is already sidelined for the remainder of the season with a knee injury.

Slot has previously been forced to deploy Dominik Szoboszlai as an emergency right-back, a role he may need to reprise, leaving a gap in midfield.

This latest injury raises major questions about Liverpool’s squad depth as they battle on multiple fronts for the Premier League title and cup glory.

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The appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as Tottenham’s new manager has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with the several fan groups including Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) leading a massive backlash against the club’s decision.

In a scathing official statement, the Trust expressed “serious and far-reaching concerns” regarding the appointment, which they believe fundamentally undermines the club’s stated values.

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While acknowledging the urgent need for a manager to steer Spurs away from a historic relegation, the group revealed they had raised objections with the board prior to the announcement, only to be ignored.

Roberto De Zerbi’s controversial Mason Greenwood comments the cause for backlash

The core of the outrage stems from comments made by De Zerbi during his tenure at Marseille regarding Mason Greenwood.

The Trust labeled these remarks “unnecessary, ill-judged, and deeply offensive,” noting they have left victims of male violence “alarmed.”

“The Club has previously committed to challenging instances of violence against women and girls,” the THST statement read.

“Any perceived sympathy toward alleged perpetrators of physical or sexual violence fundamentally undermines trust in the custodianship of this Club.”

The Trust argued that the appointment creates a “troubling shadow” over the club’s integrity at a time when unity is most needed.

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Women of the Lane also voice staunch opposition

The backlash is not limited to the THST. The co-founder of Women of the Lane, a prominent group for female Spurs supporters, has also voiced staunch opposition.

The group suggested that hiring a manager with such a controversial stance on sensitive issues alienates a significant portion of the match-going fanbase.

The co-founder of Women of the Lane says her group opposes the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as Tottenham manager and she will stop attending matches over the issue. pic.twitter.com/1A3KQfDxLj

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 31, 2026

The backlash was preempted by Tottenham expert Alasdair Gold, who feared a potential friction within the fanbase.

The board’s decision to hand De Zerbi a five-year contract has been viewed by some as a dismissal of fan sentiment.

The backlash is the worst thing Tottenham needs right now

For the manager, the immediate task at hand is to save the club from a historic relegation.

While De Zerbi will have to remain focused, there will no doubt an added scrutiny from the English press regarding his controversial comments, adding to added pressure on the Italian.

Furthermore, with fans supporting the team “with a heavy heart,” the toxic atmosphere at the stadium may not be too helpful either.

If De Zerbi cannot provide immediate results on the pitch while addressing these character concerns off it, the divide between the fans and the hierarchy may become irreparable, regardless of which division the club plays in next season.

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New Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi is already making bold moves behind the scenes, with reports claiming he has offered Alessandro Nesta the role of assistant manager.

According to Tuttosport, the former Italy international is seriously considering the proposal.

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De Zerbi, who has signed a long-term contract in North London, is keen to build an elite backroom team as he begins a high-pressure rebuild at Spurs.

The potential addition of Nesta is viewed as a strategic move to address Tottenham’s biggest weakness this season, their defence.

Alessandro Nesta could bring winning mentality to Tottenham

Few defenders in modern football boast a resume like Alessandro Nesta.

A legend of AC Milan, Nesta won the Champions League twice (in 2003 and 2007) and was a key figure in Italy’s triumph at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Since transitioning into management, Nesta has taken charge of clubs including Miami FC, Perugia, Frosinone, Reggiana, and most recently Monza.

His time at Monza proved turbulent, with the club eventually relegated from Serie A.

However, his defensive expertise remains highly regarded, making him an ideal complement to De Zerbi’s attacking philosophy.

Premier League survival is the top priority for Roberto De Zerbi

The potential arrival of Nesta highlights the urgency of Tottenham’s current predicament.

With only seven games remaining and the club sitting just a single point above the drop zone, De Zerbi knows that high-octane De Zerbi-ball must be balanced with defensive steel.

Tottenham have conceded 50 goals this campaign, and while Spurs have two world-class centre-backs in Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, the hope is that Nesta can bring the best out of both.

If Nesta accepts the role, he will be thrust immediately into the fire, with his first task being to organise a defence capable of keeping a clean sheet against Sunderland on April 12.

For Spurs, the calculation is simple: Nesta’s experience might be the difference between a narrow escape and a catastrophic fall to the Championship.

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AC Milan are weighing up a surprise move to sign Andy Robertson on a free transfer, with the Liverpool vice-captain entering the final months of his contract at Anfield.

According to reports from Calcio Mercato, the Serie A giants have identified the experienced left-back as a key target ahead of the summer transfer window, with his deal set to expire in June 2026.

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Milan are eager to add leadership and top-level experience to a defensive unit that has undergone major changes in recent months.

Following the departure of Theo Hernandez last summer, the Rossoneri brought in Pervis Estupiñán as a replacement.

However, the Ecuador international has struggled to find consistency in his debut season in Serie A, and is already being linked with a potential exit.

As a result, Robertson has emerged as one of the primary options to strengthen Milan’s left flank.

Andy Robertson will go down as a Liverpool legend

For Liverpool, the departure of Robertson would mark the end of an era.

Since arriving from Hull City in 2017, the Scotland international has cemented his status as a club legend, playing a vital role under Jurgen Klopp, helping the club win multiple trophies including the Champions League and Premier League,

However, Liverpool’s long-term planning is already underway. The club signed Milos Kerkez last summer, and the 22-year-old has largely taken over as the first-choice left-back this season.

Robertson has started just six Premier League matches this term, with Slot preferring Kerkez ahead of him.

A return to his boyhood club Celtic has been widely discussed, while interest from Atletico Madrid remains in the background.

Despite opportunities to leave in both the summer and January transfer windows, including interest from Tottenham, Robertson chose to remain at Anfield for the season.

Allowing a player of his experience and leadership to leave on a free transfer would be a significant blow, specially with Mohamed Salah also set to leave in the summer.

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Chelsea star Marc Cucurella has admitted that he would find it “difficult to refuse” a return to his boyhood club, Barcelona, sparking fresh speculation about his future at Stamford Bridge.

The Spanish left-back, who has enjoyed a dramatic redemption arc under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, made the comments while on international duty with Spain.

Speaking ahead of La Roja’s friendly clash against Egypt at the RCDE Stadium in Catalonia, the 27-year-old opened up about his emotional ties to his home region.

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Marc Cucurella on future move to Barcelona

Since joining Chelsea for £62m in 2022, Cucurella’s journey has been a quite a roller-coaster.

Despite initial struggles, he has now established himself as an undroppable fan favorite, starting every league game available.

However, the lure of the Nou Camp remains strong for the La Masia graduate.

While expressing his current happiness in London, where his family has settled well, he admitted that a move to Barcelona will be impossible to turn down.

Speaking to Marca, he said: “It would be difficult to refuse. It’s not just about me; I’d have to think about my family. If it happens, it happens, and we’ll see what decision is made.

“You always think about going back. I’m very happy there, and so is my family. I’ll leave it for a few years from now.”

Chelsea could use Cucurella to land Julian Alvarez

While Cucurella speaks of a return “years from now,” Chelsea’s board may have more immediate plans.

According to a report from Fichajes, the Blues are considering using the Spaniard as a heavyweight bargaining chip to land Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez.

Chelsea are reportedly leading the pursuit for the Argentine World Cup winner but face a steep £85m valuation.

To lower the cash outlay, the West London club could offer Cucurella plus £35m to tempt Diego Simeone into selling his star attacker.

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Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood has officially backed the club to appoint Roberto De Zerbi, labeling the Italian as the “perfect” candidate to lead the Lilywhites’ long-term rebuilding project.

The endorsement comes at a time of unprecedented crisis for Spurs, who are currently searching for their third manager of a chaotic 2025/26 campaign following the dismissal of Igor Tudor after just 44 days.

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Tim Sherwood on Roberto De Zerbi

Sherwood admitted he has long been an admirer of the former Brighton and Marseille boss, stating that he will be perfect for the club.

He highlighted De Zerbi’s uncompromising nature as both a strength and a potential friction point for the Tottenham hierarchy.

Sherwood told Sky Sports (via The Mirror):

“I love his personality and the way his teams play. But they can be open and can get hammered in some games – you can’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 up the pitch, it’s expansive the way he plays.

“We know how stubborn this man is. This man is hard to deal with, but I like him for that because he’s got his own mind and does it his way, so that’s my only reservation.

“I think if he can get them over the line, I think he’s a perfect manager for Tottenham to have taking them forward. The main priority is just to keep them in the league.”

De Zerbi’s excellent managerial record

The Italian has built a reputation as one of Europe’s top tacticians and is backed by a resume that features high-octane football across three major leagues.

During his tenure at Shakhtar, he achieved a remarkable 2.17 points per game.

He famously guided Brighton to European qualification for the first time in their history before a successful, albeit brief, stint at Marseille.

Most recently in France, he maintained a 1.81 points per game average before departing in February 2026.

Roberto De Zerbi’s stats via Transfermarkt

With only seven games remaining and Spurs sitting just one point above the relegation zone, the club is reportedly prepared to offer De Zerbi a lucrative long-term contract.

The hierarchy will hope that he can make an instant impact that can provide the spark needed to avoid a historic drop to the Championship.

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Manchester United’s top summer transfer target, Elliot Anderson, has revealed that he is actively shaping his game by learning from Arsenal star Declan Rice.

The 23-year-old Nottingham Forest star, who has enjoyed a stunning rise under Thomas Tuchel in the national setup, credited the Arsenal talisman for providing vital mentorship.

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Declan Rice has been mentoring Elliot Anderson

Anderson has established himself as a Premier League standout this season, but he admits that he has learned a lot from observing Rice during their time together with the Three Lions.

The duo have formed a formidable “hybrid” partnership in midfield, often alternating between the No. 6 and No. 8 roles to allow one another to drive forward.

He said (quotes via Fabrizio Romano): “Declan Rice has helped me on and off the pitch. Just little things on the training pitch, bits of advice, putting his arm around me and just building on the relationship in midfield. I’m trying to learn from him”.

???????? Elliot Anderson: “Declan Rice has helped me on and off the pitch”.

“Just little things on the training pitch, bits of advice, putting his arm around me and just building on the relationship in midfield. I'm trying to learn from him”. pic.twitter.com/Fo1IYZpisT

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 30, 2026

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Man United have made Anderson their top summer target

While Anderson is focused on international duties, his club future is the subject of intense speculation.

Reports indicate that Manchester United have made the former Newcastle man their top priority for the upcoming transfer window.

As per reports, Man United are prepared to build the team around Anderson, viewing him as the ideal replacement for the aging Casemiro.

Despite strong interest from Manchester City, United are said to be willing to meet Nottingham Forest’s valuation, rumored to be in the region of £100m, to ensure they land the phenomenal midfielder.

Arsenal also interested in Elliot Anderson

Man City are leading the race to land him while Man United are refusing to give up on the England international, but there is one more Premier League giant interested in Anderson.

As reported by the Daily Briefing, Arsenal also ‘sense an opportunity’ to sign the highly-rated midfielder.

“Don’t rule out Arsenal just yet. Man City have had talks, they’re feeling positive about their position, but nothing’s done yet.

“What I’m hearing is that Arsenal sense an opportunity to get something done. We’ll have to see if they’re right, as other clubs have done more work on this as of now.”

If Arsenal make a serious push to sign him, the prospect of partnering with Rice on club level could be a tempting factor for the midfielder.

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Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that Tottenham has not approached him regarding a sensational return to the club, but the former Spurs boss notably refused to rule out a move back to North London in the future.

Speaking ahead of the United States Men’s National Team’s (USMNT) friendly against Portugal, Pochettino addressed the swirling speculation linking him with the the Tottenham job.

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Mauricio Pochettino on Tottenham links

Pochettino in his latest interview was asked about the links with Tottenham and Real Madrid, to which he admitted that there have been no contact with either club.

Emphasising on his commitment with the American national team, he said (quotes via Ben Jacobs):

“No talks. We are very, very focused here on the World Cup. Everyone knows that I have a commitment with the national team here. It’s not the point to talk about the future. No one approached me. But who knows what is going to happen?”

While he maintained his professional stance, his admission that “who knows” what the future holds, coupled with the fact that his current contract expires after this summer’s World Cup, has kept the door open.

Interestingly, he also signaled a willingness to extend his stay in international management, adding, “We are open [to staying with the USMNT], why not if the federation is happy?”

?? Mauricio Pochettino asked on links with Spurs and Real Madrid.

“No talks. We are very very focused here on the World Cup.

“Everyone knows that I have a commitment with the national team here. It’s not the point to talk about the future.

“No one approached me. But who knows…

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) March 30, 2026

Spurs moving in fast for De Zerbi

Pochettino’s lack of contact with Spurs suggests the club hierarchy is looking elsewhere for an immediate solution to their crisis.

Following the Igor Tudor’s exit after just 44 days, Tottenham are reportedly moving at pace to secure former Brighton and Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi.

With Premier League survival on the line, Spurs are said to have gone big to convince De Zerbi to take the role immediately.

Appointing De Zerbi now on a permanent deal would end the story of a fairytale return of Pochettino, at least for the near future.

The post “Who knows what is going to happen” – Mauricio Pochettino makes intriguing Tottenham admission appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold has revealed that Spurs are closing in on a deal to appoint Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach.

The North London club, currently embroiled in a dire relegation scrap, are moving swiftly following the departure of Igor Tudor, who left the club by mutual consent after just 44 days and zero Premier League wins.

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Alasdair Gold gives update on Roberto De Zerbi

Writing on X, Gold shared that the “feeling within Spurs” is one of growing confidence that they have found their man in the former Brighton and Marseille boss.

The Italian’s expansive, possession-based philosophy is seen as a perfect stylistic match for the club’s identity, a “high risk, high reward” approach that Spurs missed under Thomas Frank.

Gold noted internal “question marks” regarding how quickly De Zerbi can implement his complex tactical demands with only seven games remaining to save the club’s top-flight status.

Furthermore, the reporter highlighted potential friction with the fanbase following De Zerbi’s controversial comments regarding Mason Greenwood when he signed him for Marseille.

While Spurs are reportedly offering a lucrative five-year deal to lure the 46-year-old, Gold pointed out that the Italian’s track record doesn’t scream long term.

Gold stated: “Feeling within Spurs is they’re closing in on their man in Roberto De Zerbi. His football matches how club want to play. Question marks over how quickly he can implement it & reaction to his Greenwood comments. Track record doesn’t scream long term but Spurs rarely do long term.”

Feeling within Spurs is they're closing in on their man in Roberto De Zerbi. His football matches how club want to play. Question marks over how quickly he can implement it & reaction to his Greenwood comments. Track record doesn't scream long term but Spurs rarely do long term.

— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) March 30, 2026

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