Cristian Stellini backs Roberto De Zerbi to take top job amid Tottenham interest

Tottenham interim manager Cristian Stellini believes Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has what it takes to manage a top-six side.

90min understands that De Zerbi is among Spurs' list of targets to succeed Antonio Conte as their permanent head coach.

However, the Seagulls manager is not currently interested in the gig, though that could change at the end of the season when a release clause in his contract becomes active.

De Zerbi's Brighton travel to Stellini's Spurs on Saturday with both looking to recover ground in the race for a top-four finish.

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At his pre-match press conference, Stellini was asked whether he expected De Zerbi - who he faced during their playing days in Italy - to manage a top-six club in England one day.

"I hope for him," Stellini said. "When he was a player, he was aggressive. I challenged him sometimes and he was really aggressive.

"He improved a lot. He has a great personality like a manager and he arrived here in a new country and quickly he put his sign on his team.

"That is not easy for everyone and De Zerbi show also in England, in the Premier League he is a great manager.

"For sure his results were every time good results. He gave to his team good characteristics. He's very strong in the way he wants to play."

Roberto De Zerbi's Brighton record

De Zerbi has proven to be an excellent replacement for Graham Potter at the Amex, with Brighton becoming a more effective and entertaining side.

Though they have a touch schedule heading into the last two months of the season, it would be a little bit of a shock if the Seagulls don't secure a place in Europe next season. They are also into the semi-finals of the FA Cup and will take on Manchester United on April 23.

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On this edition of OWAN, part of the 90min podcast network, Sean Walsh & Jude Summerfield discuss some of the latest at Tottenham Hotspur, including the draw at Everton, Antonio Conte and the Brighton game. If you can't see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!