Jermain Defoe Dismisses Tottenham Managerial Speculation
Newly appointed Woking manager Jermain Defoe has firmly shut down suggestions that he was in contention for the vacant Tottenham Hotspur position, while simultaneously expressing strong support for the club's new appointment Roberto De Zerbi. The former England striker made his comments during his first press conference as manager of National League side Woking, addressing speculation that had circulated following Tottenham's managerial search.
Defoe's Surprise at Tottenham Links
When questioned about whether Tottenham had approached him regarding their managerial vacancy, Defoe responded with apparent surprise, stating "Oh really?" before adding humorously "I don't know... yeah I did actually!" The former Tottenham striker, who enjoyed two playing spells at the north London club and began his coaching career there, emphasized his current focus remains entirely on his new role at Woking.
"You always want to wish the teams that you played for the best but it's important to focus on my job here," Defoe explained. "I'm just delighted with the opportunity. I sound like a broken record but I can't wait to get started. This is all a part of it, all the press stuff. I understand that, all the noise that comes with it."
Strong Endorsement for De Zerbi
Despite dismissing his own links to the Tottenham job, Defoe offered a glowing assessment of new Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi, who was appointed on Tuesday with the club sitting just one point above the Premier League relegation zone. De Zerbi becomes Tottenham's third manager of a difficult season, following the dismissals of Thomas Frank in February and Igor Tudor on Sunday.
"He's someone that comes in with an unbelievable CV," Defoe said of De Zerbi, whose managerial career includes spells at Sassuolo, Shakhtar Donetsk, Brighton, and Marseille. "When you look at his playing style, as football fans you have to appreciate and enjoy the way they play. I remember the De Zerbi Brighton team, watching Brighton play thinking, 'wow, this is the right way to play football.'"
Defoe expressed confidence that De Zerbi possesses the necessary qualities to guide Tottenham away from relegation danger, stating "He's going into a massive football club but he's someone with a good CV and someone who backs himself." The former striker acknowledged the challenging circumstances facing Tottenham, noting "A lot of the players haven't experienced this before, the fans and the club have not been through this situation before."
Focus on Woking Promotion Challenge
While offering his perspective on Tottenham's situation, Defoe made clear his primary attention remains fixed on his new challenge at Woking, where he took charge on Sunday in his first permanent managerial role. The 43-year-old watched from the stands on Tuesday evening as Woking drew 1-1 with Altrincham, leaving the team in tenth position in the National League, eleven points off a play-off spot with just six games remaining.
"The main objective is of course to get promoted," declared Defoe, who will be assisted by Paul Bracewell. "There are some top players here, the games I've watched I've been really impressed and I believe that me and my coaching staff can go to the next level. You have to be confident. You always have to back yourself and believe you can make a difference."
Defoe revealed he has received numerous messages of support from former teammates, current players, and fellow managers since accepting the Woking position. "There have been some unbelievable messages from players I've played with and current players and managers and people in the game, which is a nice feeling," he acknowledged. "But the fact of the matter is you've got to win football matches and that's why I'm here."
The new Woking manager will begin his reign in earnest on Friday when his team hosts Eastleigh at home, with the ultimate ambition of leading the club into the English Football League for the first time in their 139-year history.
