Spurs managerial situation complicated by personal tragedy amid De Zerbi talks

Tom Weber

• Updated: 23 Mar 2026 17:26 GMT
• 4 min read

News

Tottenham's managerial situation has been complicated by the tragic passing of Igor Tudor's father.

The Spurs interim head coach was informed of the news after suffering a chastening 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in a relegation six-pointer on Sunday. It prevented Tudor from carrying out his post-match media duties.

Had it not been for this heartbreaking news, it is likely that Tudor would have been sacked by now. Understandably, Tottenham's main priority right now is ensuring the mental well-being of their manager.

The international break has come at an opportune time because it allows Spurs to let the dust settle before making a final decision on Tudor's future. A sacking, though it seems inevitable, would be tasteless while he still mourns his father's death.

The Telegraph reported on Sunday that former Monaco boss Adi Hutter is a "serious contender" to replace Tudor as interim head coach should the 47-year-old lose his job.

Spurs in De Zerbi talks

The same publication now adds that discussions with Roberto de Zerbi to become the club's next permanent head coach have already taken place. The Italian is open to taking the job this summer, but only if Spurs stay in the Premier League.

De Zerbi is one of the frontrunners for the job, along with former boss Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine has made no secret of his desire to return to the North London club. However, the current United States coach would only be available after the World Cup.

It is also claimed that Tottenham are closing in on the appointment of a replacement for former sporting director Fabio Paratici, who returned to the club only to immediately depart again for Fiorentina.

The report states that Sebastian Kehl, who parted ways with Borussia Dortmund at the weekend, is one of the main contenders for the job. He was in London last week, though it is not clear if this was related to Tottenham.

Kehl is also being chased by Hamburger SV. Reports in Germany over the weekend suggested that he was on the verge of joining the promoted Bundesliga outfit.

Football transfer news headlines today

Transfer Rumours: Man Utd target Lewis-Skelly as €60m Arsenal agreement made

Exclusive: Tottenham told to get back to 'real football' by club legend

Chelsea target €75m striker to replace Liam Delap

Arsenal prepare opening bid for Viktor Gyokeres replacement

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store