New Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed he will remain at the club next season even if they are relegated from the Premier League, describing the role as the biggest challenge of his career.

The Italian, appointed on a five-year contract on Tuesday, takes charge of a side that sits just one point above the relegation zone, with seven matches remaining to secure their top-flight status.

Tottenham have not been outside the Premier League since 1978, and De Zerbi faces the immediate task of steering the club away from danger.

Reports had suggested the former Brighton and Marseille manager was initially reluctant to join before the end of the season, but he was ultimately persuaded by a long-term deal reportedly placing him among the league’s highest-paid coaches.

De Zerbi also dismissed speculation that his contract includes a clause allowing him to leave in the event of relegation.

“I signed a five-year contract because for me it is a big challenge,” De Zerbi told the club’s in-house media channel. “I will be the coach of Tottenham next season no matter what.

“Tottenham, especially at this moment, is maybe the most important challenge in my career. I’m ready to start this challenge.”

De Zerbi built a strong reputation in England during his two-year spell as Brighton manager between 2022 and 2024, where his attacking style and tactical approach earned widespread praise.

He also made a positive start at Marseille, guiding the French club to a second-place finish behind Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 last season, which secured Champions League qualification.

However, his tenure in France ended in February after Marseille failed to progress beyond the Champions League league phase and suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to PSG.

Despite his managerial pedigree, De Zerbi’s appointment at Tottenham has not been universally embraced by the club’s supporters.

Some Tottenham supporter groups have raised concerns over Roberto De Zerbi’s past public support for Mason Greenwood during his time at Marseille.

The former England international was suspended by Manchester United in January 2022 following allegations of attempted rape and sexual assault. Prosecutors later dropped the charges in February 2023, with Greenwood consistently denying the allegations. He went on to join Marseille shortly after De Zerbi’s arrival at the club in July 2024.

Addressing the criticism, De Zerbi insisted his views had been misinterpreted and emphasised his stance on violence.

“I’ve never wanted to downplay the issue of violence against women or violence against anyone in general,” De Zerbi said in Italian.

“Those who know me well know that I’m not the kind of person who compromises to win one more match or one more title.

“I’m sorry if I’ve offended anyone with this topic. I have a daughter and I’m very sensitive to these things. I hope that over time people will get to know me better and understand that I didn’t intend to take a stance.”