De Zerbi Rejects Spurs Interim: Tudor In 2026

Key Points

• Tottenham Hotspur made discreet contact with Roberto De Zerbi regarding an interim head coach role, as understood by TEAMtalk.
• De Zerbi quickly rejected the proposal upon realising it was strictly short-term.
• Spurs hierarchy has been unwavering in communicating to all candidates that only the interim position is available now, with the permanent role to be assessed after a full internal review in summer.
• De Zerbi is open to a long-term project at Tottenham in north London but had no interest in a temporary post, as it did not align with his ambitions despite intrigue for a permanent role later.
• Club legend Robbie Keane took the same stance, ruling himself out of the interim role, as revealed by TEAMtalk on Friday.
• Spurs then considered alternatives including current coach John Heitinga and former stalwart Ryan Mason.
• Attention shifted to Igor Tudor, who had shown interest in the Nottingham Forest vacancy and was offered to Spurs.
• Tudor, former Juventus and Marseille boss, has accepted the interim job until summer, as reported earlier by TEAMtalk on Friday.
• Tudor’s appointment provides Spurs with an experienced stop-gap while evaluating long-term candidates ahead of a crucial off-season.

North London (North London News) February 14, 2026 – Tottenham Hotspur’s hierarchy reached out discreetly to Roberto De Zerbi about becoming their interim head coach, but the Italian swiftly turned down the offer once it was confirmed as a strictly short-term position, TEAMtalk understands.​

Sources close to the club have emphasised that Spurs made it abundantly clear to every candidate approached: only the interim role is on the table at this juncture, with any permanent appointment deferred until after a comprehensive internal review this summer. De Zerbi, keen on a sustained project in north London, saw no fit for his aspirations in a temporary stint, even though the prospect of a full-time position piqued his interest for the future.​

Why Did De Zerbi Reject Tottenham’s Interim Offer So Quickly?

As exclusively understood by TEAMtalk, Tottenham Hotspur initiated discreet contact with Roberto De Zerbi, the former Brighton & Hove Albion manager, to gauge his availability for the interim head coach position. The Italian, currently unattached after his departure from Olympique de Marseille, responded promptly with a rejection once the short-term nature of the role was clarified.​

De Zerbi’s disinterest stemmed from his preference for long-term commitments, a stance that aligns with his coaching philosophy honed at Sassuolo, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Brighton. He expressed no appetite for an interim post, believing it misaligned with his ambitions, despite an underlying curiosity about managing Tottenham on a permanent basis further down the line.​

What Was Spurs’ Unwavering Message to All Candidates?

The Tottenham hierarchy has maintained a firm line in discussions with potential candidates, insisting that conversations are limited solely to the interim vacancy. This position allows the club breathing room for a thorough internal review before committing to a permanent successor in the summer.​

Sources have confirmed this messaging was delivered without ambiguity to every individual approached, underscoring Spurs’ strategic caution amid ongoing instability. The approach reflects a deliberate pause to assess the squad, staff, and broader operations before a high-stakes permanent hire.​

How Does This Fit Tottenham’s Summer Planning Timeline?

The interim setup is explicitly designed as a bridge to the summer, when Spurs plan a full evaluation leading to a permanent appointment. This timeline provides stability through the remainder of the season while avoiding rushed decisions.​

Who Else Rejected the Interim Role Like De Zerbi?

TEAMtalk revealed on Friday that Tottenham legend Robbie Keane adopted an identical position to De Zerbi, explicitly declining consideration for a short-term appointment. Keane, who enjoyed a storied career at Spurs with 278 appearances and 122 goals, prioritised long-term opportunities over a caretaker role.​

This mutual rejection by high-profile figures like Keane and De Zerbi narrowed Spurs’ shortlist, prompting a pivot to other options.​

What Alternatives Did Tottenham Consider Before Tudor?

Following the rejections, Tottenham evaluated internal and familiar figures for the interim vacancy. Among them were current coach John Heitinga, who has been involved in recent first-team duties, and former club stalwart Ryan Mason, known for his previous caretaker spell in 2023.​

Heitinga, a former Everton defender with Ajax coaching experience, and Mason, a Spurs youth product turned assistant, represented continuity options. However, the club sought an external voice with proven top-level credentials.​

Why Was Igor Tudor the Chosen Interim Coach?

Igor Tudor emerged as the frontrunner after being offered to Spurs, having previously shown interest in the Nottingham Forest managerial vacancy. The Croatian, with a distinguished resume including stints at Juventus and Marseille, accepted the role until the summer, as TEAMtalk reported earlier on Friday.​

Tudor’s arrival fulfils Spurs’ requirement for an experienced stop-gap leader. His tenure at Marseille last season, where he guided the club to a competitive Ligue 1 standing before departing, along with his Juventus spell, brings tactical nous and authority.​

What Interest Did Tudor Show in Other Premier League Roles?

Prior to Tottenham, Tudor had been linked with Nottingham Forest, indicating his openness to Premier League opportunities. This prior interest smoothed his transition to north London.​

How Does Tudor’s Appointment Benefit Tottenham Long-Term?

Tudor’s interim role grants Tottenham the seasoned presence they sought amid uncertainty. It allows time to scout and deliberate on permanent candidates during a pivotal off-season.​

The club views this as a pragmatic move to steady the ship, evaluate performances, and conduct the promised internal review without external pressure. Supporters and stakeholders anticipate his influence on squad dynamics through May.​

What Is De Zerbi’s Confirmed Stance on a Potential Summer Return?

De Zerbi remains open to a long-term project at Tottenham, having been intrigued by the permanent role concept. His rejection was purely due to the interim limitation, not a lack of enthusiasm for Spurs.​

Sources indicate he could re-enter discussions post-review if aligned with the club’s vision. His progressive style, evidenced by Brighton’s European qualification push, positions him as a summer contender.​

Who Is Robbie Keane and Why Did He Mirror De Zerbi’s Decision?

Robbie Keane, a Tottenham icon from 2002-2011, turned down the interim overtures for similar reasons. As TEAMtalk noted on Friday, he prioritised substantive roles over temporary ones.​

Keane’s coaching journey includes spells at Middlesbrough academy and Ireland assistant roles, but he seeks a platform for lasting impact.​

What Background Do Heitinga and Mason Bring to the Table?

John Heitinga, currently at the club, offers defensive expertise from his playing days at Everton and Ajax. Ryan Mason, a former Spurs midfielder, managed 11 games as caretaker in 2021, providing invaluable internal knowledge.​

Though not selected, their consideration highlights Spurs’ blend of youth development and continuity.​

When Does Tudor’s Tenure Officially Begin?

Igor Tudor has agreed to the deal and is set to take charge imminently, bridging to summer. TEAMtalk’s Friday update confirmed the acceptance.​

This swift resolution averts further disruption at a critical juncture.​