Johan Lange aims sly dig at Thomas Frank as Tottenham appoint Roberto De Zerbi

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Football Insider or go back to LFC Live.

(Credit: Imago) Tue 31 March 2026 17:35, UK Johan Lange has spoken out after Tottenham Hotspur confirmed the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as their new manager. Exc: Tottenham complete move to appoint Roberto De Zerbi as new boss on five year deal.– No relegation clause– RDZ committed even in Championship – Overwhelming first choice – Club tried to land him after Frank exit– Greenwood issue consideredhttps://t.co/7vaSWT3lKE— Sami Mokbel (@SamiMokbel_BBC) March 31, 2026 View Tweet MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES 📋 Tottenham Hotspur Manager News 📋 Get the inside track on the Spurs dugout with real-time updates on shortlisted candidates, live betting market shifts, and key boardroom decisions.

Lange was quick to stress his belief in the new incumbent, but that also came with a comment that could certainly be seen as a subtle jab at Frank in the process.“Roberto was our number one target for the summer and we are very pleased to be able to bring him in now,” the club chief said, according to BBC Sport.“He is one of the most creative and forward-thinking coaches in world football, and brings with him a wealth of experience at the highest level, including in the Premier League.”The reference to De Zerbi being Spurs’ top target suggests that they have always had a long-term admiration for the 46-year-old, which doesn’t reflect well on Frank at all. It could certainly be inferred from Lange’s statements that Frank was merely appointed as a stop gap in the first place, with the long-term view of trying to get De Zerbi in charge whenever it became possible.

Pep Guardiola previously hailed De ZerbiTottenham’s appointment of De Zerbi already has Pep Guardiola’s seal of approval, after the Manchester City manager previously hailed his counterpart’s ability during his stint in charge of Brighton.The Spanish chief labelled Spurs’ new man as “one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years,” while also taking the opportunity to praise his “unique” style of play. Lange and Co. will be desperately hoping that the transition period to adapt to De Zerbi’s style is not too lengthy, given the urgency for results in the midst of the relegation battle.The Lilywhites have just seven games left to save themselves from an embarrassing drop into the Championship, and with just one point separating them and the bottom three, De Zerbi’s impact will need to be immediate.