Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly turned down an offer from Tottenham Hotspur, confirming his intention to remain with the French club for the upcoming season. Spurs are currently progressing their search for a new manager to replace Ange Postecoglou, with Brentford`s Thomas Frank reportedly the frontrunner for the position.
Spurs are said to have approached De Zerbi recently. While other reports linked him to the Inter Milan job, the club and De Zerbi dismissed these rumours last week. Speaking after being made an Honorary Citizen of Foggia, the Italian stated, “I’m happy in Marseille and I haven’t received any calls from other clubs, I want to do good things in the right way there.”
Following a meeting in the US at the end of the season, De Zerbi reached an agreement with club president Pablo Longoria, sporting director Medhi Benatia, and owner Frank McCourt. He reaffirmed his commitment to the club ahead of their return to Champions League football at the Vélodrome next season.
The former Brighton and Sassuolo manager initially signed a three-year deal with OM and successfully guided the team back into Europe’s premier club competition in his first season in France. However, links to Serie A jobs, including AC Milan, had caused some minor apprehension among Marseille supporters.
During a press conference, De Zerbi commented on the past season and his future: “It’s been a tough season, we have to be objective about that. I’m grateful to Frank, Pablo and Medhi. I don’t want to leave.”
He added regarding future planning, “We need to look at what to do for the future, plan it and see where we stand, and talk honestly. Things need to be said. I haven’t started talks with any club,” following OM’s final match of the season, a 4-2 victory over Rennes.
