Tottenham Hotspur legend Glenn Hoddle has revealed he offered to take charge of the club amid their desperate fight against relegation, prior to Roberto De Zerbi’s appointment.
Hoddle, who is widely regarded as one of the club’s finest players, having inspired Spurs to multiple trophies between 1975 and 1987, made the offer alongside fellow former player Ossie Ardiles.
The approach came after a damaging 3-0 home defeat by Nottingham Forest on 23 March, a result that underscored the crisis engulfing the north London side. At the time, Igor Tudor was at the helm, but the loss marked his fifth in a disastrous seven-match tenure, leading to his departure a week later.
Facing the prospect of a first relegation in 49 years, Tottenham ultimately turned to De Zerbi. While the Italian secured his maiden victory against Wolves last Saturday, the club remains precariously placed in 18th, two points from Premier League safety.
Speaking on The Jeff Stelling Show, Hoddle explained his motivation: "They never came to us. We did, Ossie (Ardiles) and myself, after the Forest game, we felt there was a real problem there."
He added: "Ossie and I made it clear that we would go in there if they wanted us to go in there with probably a younger legend (as coach) as well."
Hoddle felt the club "needed some love, like it needed some people to go in there and unite the fans, with the owners, with the team and that is why we said we would do it."
Despite his offer, Tottenham opted for De Zerbi.
Hoddle, a lifelong fan, accepted the decision, stating: "They said they were looking elsewhere, so that was fine by me. I don’t care who, I’m a Spurs man through and through since eight years of age, so as long as they’ve got the right man in."
He acknowledged the challenge ahead for De Zerbi, concluding: "De Zerbi has gone in and everyone’s got to unite and get together, but they’ve got a real task on their hands haven’t they? I just want them to stay up, whether I was involved or I wasn’t."
Tottenham’s survival hopes have been dealt a further blow with Xavi Simons ruled out for the majority of 2026 due to a serious knee injury, and Dominic Solanke reportedly a doubt for the final four matches with a hamstring strain.
