Tottenham: Prem manager ‘made up his mind’ to reject Spurs before Levy ‘turned attention’ to Slot

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·24 May 2023

Tottenham: Prem manager ‘made up his mind’ to reject Spurs before Levy ‘turned attention’ to Slot

According to reports, Roberto De Zerbi verbally committed his future to Brighton after Tottenham ‘pushed’ to appoint him as Antonio Conte’s successor.

Spurs have been linked with several managers since Conte was sacked in March. Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann have both been mentioned as potential successors to the Italian.

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His reputation has been enhanced this season as he has helped Feyenoord win the Eredivisie. They are currently ten points clear of second-placed Ajax.

Leeds United targeted Slot earlier this season. He opted to turn down the West Yorkshire outfit but now he is likely to accept an approach from Tottenham.

Brighton’s De Zerbi has been considered an alternative option and Football Insider are reporting that he swiftly ‘made up his mind over the Tottenham job’. He has told the Seagulls that ‘he will stay with them next season after Spurs sounded him out’. The report adds.

‘Tottenham have shown strong interest in De Zerbi in recent months as a permanent replacement for his fellow Italian Antonio Conte. ‘They have made another push recently but the former Sassuolo boss has told the Brighton hierarchy he is committed to them for another year. ‘It is understood that De Zerbi feels the Tottenham job came a year too early for him – he is happy and settled at Brighton and would like to gain more experience before moving to a Champions League calibre club. ‘Tottenham have now turned their attention to completing a deal for Feyenoord manager Arne Slot.’

Earlier this week, ex-Spurs star Rafael van der Vaart claimed his former club “asked” him what he “thought of” Slot.

“I do know that Tottenham really wants him,” Van der Vaart told NOS. “I had contact with Tottenham a long time ago. Or yes, a month ago. They asked what I thought of him.

“But you know what I think of him. He squeezed out the maximum; Feyenoord is so stable. Even today, after they found out and partied all week. He takes other teams seriously and just wins.

“Whether I gave the green light when I was asked? A very green light!

“Very green light. Tottenham is a club where I spent two years and I have a good relationship with it. I don’t know if they want to get a technical director first and then a trainer. They just lack a good coach and a coach who plays the fun football that Tottenham has always stood for.”