De Zerbi’s stance on Tottenham job revealed as Romano breaks down exit clause in Brighton contract
According to reports, Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi is ‘happy and settled’ despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
Tottenham are looking for a new permanent manager heading into the summer as the club’s hierarchy have opted to part company with Antonio Conte.
The Italian was expected to leave the club in the summer when his contract expired but this has been enforced a couple of months earlier than expected after he hit out at his “selfish” players.
It has since been confirmed that Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason will take charge of Spurs before a new full-time head coach is appointed ahead of next season.
De Zerbi has made his presence felt in the Premier League since he replaced Graham Potter at Brighton earlier this season.
The 43-year-old has done an incredible job in recent months as he has the Seagulls on track to qualify for a place in Europe.
He penned a contract until 2026 when he took over at Brighton but more rival clubs will begin to target him if his great work at the Amex Stadium continues.
De Zerbi is naturally being linked with Tottenham but he recently indicated that he is satisfied at Brighton.
“We are happy because the people are speaking about our quality of play,” he said.
“But we have to be focused on the next game. We have a clear focus and a clear target. For the players and for me it is the same.
“We have a long contract here at Brighton. I’m happy to work here and enjoy working with these players. I cannot ask more and, for me, it is a good moment for me and my life.”
Football Insider are reporting that De Zerbi ‘wants to spend another year at Brighton before making the step up to a Champions League-calibre club’.
Spurs have ‘decided to narrow their candidates down to managers currently out of a job, with the club not willing to pay millions in compensation to Brighton for De Zerbi’s services’.
De Zerbi meanwhile feels that the Spurs job is coming ‘a year too soon for him’ and he ‘would like to gain more experience before moving elsewhere’.
The report also notes that De Zerbi ‘could be rewarded with a new contract over the summer for his loyalty and success this season’.
A separate report from Fabrizio Romano has revealed that there is a “fixed amount” clubs will have to pay to buy De Zerbi out of his Brighton contract.
“Understand there’s a fixed amount into Roberto De Zerbi’s contract to leave Brighton, similar to Potter.
“There’s one crucial difference: it’s only valid in the summer, not during the season.
“De Zerbi, only focused on Brighton to complete the season in the best way.”
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The article De Zerbi’s stance on Tottenham job revealed as Romano breaks down exit clause in Brighton contract appeared first on Football365.com.
