Roberto de Zerbi needs to make sure Tottenham maintain their top-flight status this season.
Tottenham are hopeful that Roberto de Zerbi is the right man to help the club avoid relegation from the Premier League this season. The Lilywhites appointed him as Thomas Frank’s long-term successor, with the Italian tactician signing a five-year contract. In doing so, he became the third-highest paid manager in the league, with only Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola earning more.
The main priority for De Zerbi is to ensure that the North Londoners do not drop into the second division in the coming months. It appears to be a daunting task, given that Spurs have been winless in the league since the turn of the year. The players look devoid of confidence, and there is a growing concern that they may already believe the situation is beyond repair. As a result, the Italian tactician must instil belief within the squad as the season approaches its business end.
De Zerbi is an excellent man-manager who focuses on building confidence in his players while giving them the freedom to express themselves on the pitch. That is exactly what the squad requires at this stage as they look to return to winning ways in the Premier League. They need guidance, and that is precisely what the former Brighton boss is expected to provide as Spurs aim to avoid further embarrassment in the league.
Roberto de Zerbi is the right man to guide Tottenham
Tottenham have done well to secure Roberto de Zerbi on a long-term deal. Although his tenure did not begin on a high note, following a narrow 1-0 defeat against Sunderland, his side displayed promising signs and managed to execute the basics effectively. There is a strong belief that the 46-year-old will guide the Lilywhites back to winning ways, starting with the upcoming fixture against Brighton next weekend.
Gus Poyet has also praised the former Brighton boss, describing him as the ideal long-term successor to Thomas Frank at N17. In an exclusive interview with the club’s media, Poyet said,
“I really like the appointment. The only thing that I was thinking was, ‘Okay, how is he going to set up his way of playing football in such a short period of time?’ Then I listened to him in an interview, they asked him this question, and he was very clever and intelligent as a coach and as a person, saying, ‘basics first’. You’re going to see the De Zerbi team next year.”
The former Spurs star added,
“Now, you’re going to see a little bit, but basics. I tell you now, belief is most important, because you know that when you are down there, luck is not coming your way. If you see the goal against Sunderland the other day, it’s typical of a team that is fighting every day. So, it’s a matter of mental belief and getting that first result, that win, like Roberto said.”
Gus Poyet is supportive of Tottenham’s decision to appoint Roberto de Zerbi. The former Spurs star believes the Italian tactician will not fully implement his footballing philosophy this season and will instead focus on ensuring the players get the basics right. Poyet also emphasises that strong belief within the dressing room is crucial for survival, which is where the 46-year-old is expected to excel, given his impressive man-management skills.
One of De Zerbi’s key traits is his honesty. He speaks candidly, and some players may find it difficult to adjust to that approach. However, this cultural reset is exactly what Spurs need at this moment if they are to retain their top-flight status in the coming weeks. It is vital for the squad to recognise the seriousness of their situation. From a fan’s perspective, it is equally important that the Italian tactician instils a winning mentality within the dressing room before it is too late.