Tottenham target Ausilio: ‘I’d like to test myself in the Premier League’

Former Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio says he wants to try working in the Premier League, amid strong links with Tottenham.

With quotes via Eurosport, Ausilio spoke at the Social Football Summit in Turin about his departure from Inter in September, which ended a 28-year association with the club.

“I’m doing very well. It was an important, long and unique part of my professional life, but like all good stories, there comes a moment when it can end. I think it was the right time,” he said. “For me, it mattered to leave after a big win, and that’s what happened. Leaving after a Scudetto and a Coppa Italia, as well as the financial results of these years, is how I always imagined it.

“I’d never have accepted leaving the year before, after a second-place finish and a final lost like the one in Munich. There were various situations over the years that I could have considered, but I never did. First, I wanted to bring Inter back to where they deserved to be.”

Ausilio was replaced by his long-time deputy Dario Baccin, who’s now Inter’s chief sport officer. He admitted he hasn’t spoken to president Beppe Marotta since leaving.

“Marotta? I haven’t had the chance to talk to him since, but he’s probably very busy. I see Dario Baccin regularly, as he worked with me for 10 years. Relationships don’t disappear overnight. The fact that Inter have chosen continuity by relying on someone who was my deputy for 10 years is recognition of my work.”

Tottenham have been heavily linked with Ausilio since his exit, and Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly keen to work with him. Spurs have been looking for a new sporting director since Fabio Paratici left for Fiorentina. Ausilio insists nothing has been agreed, but he’s clearly interested in moving to England.

“Right now I haven’t spoken to anyone, there are just rumours. My wish is to test myself in a different, new league, and the Premier League is a fascinating project. That doesn’t mean I’m going there tomorrow, but it interests me, and I’d seriously consider it if the opportunity came up.”

He also addressed his 2025 meeting with Cesc Fàbregas in London, before Inter appointed Cristian Chivu.

“Chivu knew he was the coach we wanted. I was in London for a player. Fàbregas and I have had a relationship since he asked to visit Appiano Gentile when he started at Como. Nothing different happened in London.”