This article contains adult content that may be inappropriate for minors. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older to continue. This article contains images or details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. Despite the fight for survival in the Premier League, Tottenham has already begun talks with Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi, who is receptive to taking over the team if they secure their place in the top tier of English football, the Telegraph reports this Monday. Meanwhile, the Spurs are close to hiring a new sporting director, with Sebastian Kehl emerging as the latest candidate. The heavy home defeat against Nottingham Forest (0-3) complicated the situation for the Londoners in the league table, but it did not stop the club from planning for the future. The British newspaper reveals that negotiations are already underway with the 46-year-old coach, who has been without a club since leaving Marseille by mutual agreement over a month ago. However, the team must achieve survival for the Italian to return to England: De Zerbi does not want to manage a Championship club. Igor Tudor's future, it should be noted, has become more uncertain following the defeat to Forest. However, the club's priority is to support the Croatian coach, who is going through a period of mourning due to the death of his father, Mario, which prevented him from fulfilling his post-match obligations on Sunday. Juventus and Lazio, two of his former clubs, have publicly expressed their support, and Tottenham also issued a statement. Regardless of what happens until the end of the season, Tudor is unlikely to remain as head coach. Roberto De Zerbi and Mauricio Pochettino are the favorites for the position. The club is looking for a coach with experience in European competitions, despite not participating in them next season. De Zerbi, who could also be an option for Manchester United and Liverpool if Arne Slot leaves Anfield, seems inclined to accept the Spurs' offer. The Italian, who managed Brighton for nearly two years before moving to Marseille in the summer of 2024, where he achieved second place in Ligue 1, has already expressed a desire to coach one of the top clubs in the Premier League. His offensive style of football appeals to the London fans, many of whom would like to see Pochettino return, currently committed to the United States national team until the end of this summer's World Cup. In the restructuring of the football department, Tottenham is finalizing the hiring of a new sporting director to succeed Fabio Paratici. Sebastian Kehl, who left his position at Borussia Dortmund on Sunday, is the latest name associated with the London club. News from Germany indicates that Kehl is a strong candidate to be part of a model with multiple sporting directors. The English press had already reported Spurs' interest in Dougie Freedman and Chelsea's co-sporting director, Paul Winstanley. Freedman, who moved to Al-Diriyah in the Saudi second division last year, has reportedly spoken with Tottenham, but there are doubts about whether he will actually replace Paratici. Winstanley, on the other hand, is under contract with Chelsea until 2031 and is unlikely to leave Stamford Bridge. With Kehl now available, his hiring becomes more feasible. The German was in London last week, although it is unclear if the visit was related to the position at Tottenham. The club describes the selection process as 'ongoing.' Johan Lange, who remains in his role, is under scrutiny and his position may be at risk. Sources indicate that the club may make two hires for the football department, but the initial plan was for Lange to continue working in data and recruitment. During his four years at Dortmund, Kehl was responsible for signings such as Nico Schlotterbeck, Serhou Guirassy, Felix Nmecha, Karim Adeyemi, and Jobe Bellingham. His departure was announced by the club's CEO, Lars Ricken, who stated: 'Summer is the right time for a change. To allow both parties to prepare, we mutually agreed to the immediate termination of Sebastian's contract.' '[The club] has been part of my life for half of my life, and I have an extremely strong connection to this great club… Dortmund, the incredible stadium, and the Südtribüne [south stand] will always have a special place in my heart. It was an honor,' said Kehl, a former captain of Dortmund who led the team to consecutive Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012.
De Zerbi Tottenham remains central to this story.
De Zerbi Tottenham remains central to this story.
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