Tottenham De Zerbi Replacement: Pochettino Tipped for Shock Return

Key Stats and Takeaways

• Spurs sit 20th in the Premier League after five games with zero wins.
• Tottenham have collected just two points from a possible fifteen this season.
• De Zerbi’s side lost 2-3 to Aston Villa, dropping into the relegation zone.
• Spurs crashed out of the Carabao Cup, losing 3-1 to Liverpool.
• De Zerbi’s contract runs until 2031 with no break clause included.

Tottenham fans, buckle up, because this season already feels like a soap opera. The Tottenham De Zerbi replacement conversation is dominating headlines, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. Spurs spent big over the summer. Then they somehow ended up worse off than before.

Let’s break down what’s actually happening, because the rumour mill is spinning fast.

Why the Tottenham De Zerbi Replacement Talk Won’t Stop

Roberto De Zerbi took over at Spurs back in April 2026. He signed a five-year deal after Thomas Frank got sacked mid-season. On paper, it looked promising. In reality, things have gone sideways quickly.

Tottenham spent roughly £380million gross on ten new players this summer. Despite that investment, the team currently sits 20th in the table. They haven’t won a single Premier League match yet. Consequently, pressure on De Zerbi has grown louder by the week.

According to Football365, De Zerbi is reportedly “fuming” at the Spurs board. Meanwhile, speculation about his successor keeps building. That’s a rough combination for any manager trying to find his footing.

Furthermore, the Villa defeat really stung. Spurs lost 2-3, which dropped them straight into the relegation zone. Add a Carabao Cup exit to Liverpool, and suddenly the mood in north London feels bleak again.

The Contract Complication Nobody’s Talking About

Here’s the twist though. De Zerbi’s contract reportedly runs until 2031. There’s no break clause attached to it either. So, sacking him now would cost Spurs well over £10million. That’s not pocket change, even for a club backed by wealthy owners.

Therefore, this isn’t a straightforward decision for the board. They have to weigh sporting results against serious financial consequences. Nevertheless, reports suggest the club is already exploring alternatives quietly.

Who’s In the Frame for the Tottenham De Zerbi Replacement Job

Several names keep popping up in different reports. Let’s go through them one by one.

Mauricio Pochettino remains the clear fan favourite. He built Spurs into genuine title contenders during his first spell. Under him, Tottenham averaged 1.89 points per game across five full seasons. In 2016/17, they finished second with 86 points and conceded just 26 goals. That defensive record still stands as one of the best in Premier League history.

According to TalkSport, pundits and journalists are actively pushing his name forward. Danny Murphy and Mirror journalist Darren Lewis have both publicly backed a Pochettino return. In fact, Lewis went as far as saying Spurs should “get him” if they’re smart about it.

However, Pochettino isn’t the only option being floated. Fabian Hurzeler, currently at Brighton, has reportedly expressed interest in the role too. Kieran McKenna, who guided Ipswich back to the Premier League, is another name doing the rounds. Additionally, Arne Slot, recently sacked by Liverpool, has entered the conversation as a surprise contender.

Gareth Southgate rounds out the shortlist as a leftfield pick. Given his international experience, some see him as a steady hands option. Still, most insiders believe Pochettino remains the sentimental and strategic frontrunner.

Is a Sacking Actually Imminent?

This is where things get murky. Some reports claim Spurs are seriously considering a change. Others insist the board remains fully behind De Zerbi for now.

A source close to TEAMtalk claimed the hierarchy is “firmly convinced” De Zerbi can turn things around. They reportedly believe there’s “no consideration” being given to a replacement currently. That directly contradicts other outlets suggesting an early exit is likely.

So, what’s the truth? Honestly, it probably depends on the next few fixtures. Spurs face Aston Villa again soon, and that match could prove decisive. If results don’t improve quickly, patience will likely run out fast.

Meanwhile, the international break has given the club time to assess options. Reports suggest Spurs are using this window to evaluate potential successors quietly. They’re also weighing the financial cost of parting ways with De Zerbi early.

What This Means for Spurs Fans Going Forward

Ultimately, this saga reflects a wider issue at Tottenham. The club has cycled through managers repeatedly over recent seasons. Each appointment arrives with big promises, yet results rarely match expectations.

Still, there’s hope among supporters that stability could finally return. A Pochettino reunion would bring emotional weight and proven pedigree. Yet, as with any comeback story, the risk of disappointment remains real.

For now, all eyes remain on results. The Tottenham De Zerbi replacement narrative will likely intensify with every poor performance. Fans just want consistency, and frankly, who can blame them?