Pressure rises after winless start
Roberto De Zerbi is facing mounting pressure at Tottenham after the club entered the international break without a victory in its opening five Premier League matches.
Spurs have collected only two points and sit bottom of the table following a 3–2 home defeat by Aston Villa. They have also been eliminated from the Carabao Cup after losing 3–1 to Liverpool in the third round.
The results represent a deeply disappointing return after Tottenham spent heavily during the summer to rebuild the squad around De Zerbi. The Italian took charge late in the previous season and helped the club avoid relegation, but has won only four of his first 14 matches.
A report cited by SPORTbible claimed Tottenham were assessing possible successors while considering the financial consequences of ending De Zerbi’s contract.
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Club sources deny an immediate dismissal
Despite the speculation, stronger reports from sources close to Tottenham insist that De Zerbi will not be dismissed during the international break.
TEAMtalk reports that the hierarchy remains convinced the 47-year-old is the correct manager to lead the rebuilding project. The club reportedly believes replacing him after only 14 matches would be premature, particularly following substantial changes to the squad.
De Zerbi signed a five-year contract when he was appointed in March 2026. There is reportedly no simple break clause, meaning an early dismissal could cost Tottenham more than £10 million unless the two sides negotiated a settlement.
The manager has made no attempt to hide his frustration. After the defeat by Villa, he described Spurs as exceptionally fragile and inconsistent. His public criticism has increased scrutiny of both the players and his methods, although it has not yet altered the board’s position.
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Eddie Howe linked with a possible return
Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has emerged as an early favourite to take over if Tottenham eventually decide to make a change. Howe left Newcastle before the beginning of the season after almost five years in charge.
During that period, he led the club into the Champions League twice and delivered the Carabao Cup, ending Newcastle’s long wait for a major domestic trophy. His Premier League experience would make him an obvious candidate, but there is no reliable confirmation that formal negotiations have taken place.
Mauricio Pochettino has also been mentioned because of his history with Tottenham, although he remains head coach of the United States national team. Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler has been linked as well, but those claims have not developed into a confirmed approach.
For now, the clearest information is that De Zerbi remains Tottenham’s manager and retains the hierarchy’s backing. The discussion around Howe concerns a potential future vacancy, not an appointment already being negotiated.
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Results will determine how long the support lasts
Tottenham’s board knew the rebuild would require time after the club finished 17th last season. However, two points from five matches and an early cup exit have placed the project under pressure much sooner than expected.
The international break gives De Zerbi an opportunity to address his side’s defensive mistakes, lack of confidence and inconsistent performances. It also delays any immediate decision while senior figures assess whether the team is moving in the right direction.
Public support can change quickly when results fail to improve. De Zerbi is not currently reported to be on the verge of dismissal, but the names being linked with his position show that patience will not be unlimited.
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