Tottenham are hoping to go toe-to-toe with their Premier League rivals under Roberto De Zerbi’s guidance.
Tottenham barely escaped relegation from the Premier League last season, thanks in large part to the timely arrival of Roberto de Zerbi during the business end of the campaign. The Italian tactician managed to steady the ship at N17 and restore belief within the dressing room. Despite being on a poor run in the league, the players began giving everything on the pitch, helping the team turn its results around in no time and replace West Ham United in 17th place.
And it is fair to say that the North Londoners made the right call by backing Roberto De Zerbi in the transfer window, splashing the cash on players who would suit his playing style. The arrival of six new faces during the early stages of the transfer window was also a statement of intent from Spurs as they looked to strengthen the squad under the Italian tactician and help him rebuild the team from scratch.
The positive displays in pre-season were also a sign of better things to come, as the new players showed glimpses of their potential on tour. However, it is fair to suggest that all the optimism surrounding Spurs vanished after the team was humbled by Brentford on the opening day of the new Premier League campaign. The Lilywhites went on to lose 3-0 away from home, raising questions about Roberto de Zerbi and his methods despite the club spending a significant amount on new players.
Roberto de Zerbi calls for patience from the Tottenham fans
The spotlight is already on Roberto de Zerbi as he aims to get his team back to winning ways in the Premier League in the coming days. The panic buttons have not been pressed yet, and the Italian tactician still has time on his hands to bring the best out of his players and help the Lilywhites climb up the league table as the season progresses. With no European football this season, the North Londoners have a great chance to focus on domestic competitions and improve their performances with adequate rest.
Roberto de Zerbi has called for patience from the Spurs faithful and wants his players to ‘trust the process’ at N17 this season. Speaking in his pre-match press conference (via Football London), De Zerbi said,
“Together, we are stronger than alone. It is a process, and the process is not so fast. It is tough, because sometimes it seems to be in a better position and then you understand maybe you have to work again. But it is a process, like the big teams have done in the past. I think we can do it, for sure, faster. But we need to work harder, everyone together, stay focused, and with a clear head.”
The Spurs boss added,
“Not destroying everything if we lose one game, or if we win, we are good enough to win the Premier League. No. it is not like this. We need to keep the balance and know the journey will be longer, but maybe with the qualities of the players, with our club and fans, we can reduce the time.”
Will Roberto de Zerbi get the time he deserves at Tottenham?
Roberto de Zerbi is right in pointing out that the results at N17 will not improve instantly. It is a journey that might take some time as he aims to help Spurs compete at the top end of the Premier League table in the coming months. The Italian tactician wants his players to trust in his ideas and work hard on the pitch if they are to succeed and compete for major honours this season.
Losing a game does not mean that Spurs are a bad team. The same logic applies when the Lilywhites are winning. It does not mean that De Zerbi’s men are ready to compete for the Premier League title simply because they go on a winning streak this season. And that is exactly why the Italian tactician has called for patience and wants everyone to balance their expectations with reality.
