Time has come for Roberto De Zerbi to turn the tide around at Tottenham in the Premier League this season.
Tottenham have endured their worst-ever start to a Premier League season under Roberto de Zerbi. The Lilywhites suffered a 2-3 defeat to Aston Villa at home on Saturday, marking their second consecutive home defeat in the league this campaign. It was another difficult outing for the North Londoners, who struggled to contain a ruthless Villa side that looked determined to claim all three points for the first time this season.
To make matters worse, Fulham’s draw against Manchester United on Sunday means that Spurs will now sit at the bottom of the table during this ongoing three-week international break. Few fans would have imagined the club finding itself in the relegation zone this early in the season after splashing £400m on ten new faces in the summer. However, the reality is that most of the new arrivals have failed to make the desired impact on the pitch so far this campaign.
The loud jeers and constant boos from the match-going fans mean that Roberto de Zerbi is facing increasing pressure over the club’s dismal start to the new Premier League campaign. Despite getting into some promising positions on the pitch and showing clear signs of improvement under the Italian tactician, the Lilywhites are still failing to secure victories when it matters most. As a result, the onus now falls on the 47-year-old to get the best out of his players in the coming weeks before it is too late.
Roberto de Zerbi still backed to steady the sinking the ship at Tottenham
Tottenham were in a desperate situation last season after facing the genuine prospect of being relegated from the Premier League. But thanks to Roberto de Zerbi, the Lilywhites secured a crucial victory on the final day of the campaign, forcing West Ham United to take their place in the drop zone in the end. That is exactly why the North Londoners backed De Zerbi in the transfer market by bringing in players who would suit his system for this season.
So, it may take some time for the 47-year-old to get his players accustomed to his playing style at N17. A dismal start to the new campaign means that the players are taking time to adapt to the demands imposed by De Zerbi. But there will be no looking back for Spurs once everything clicks for the Italian tactician following the ongoing international break. That is exactly why the club’s hierarchy is still backing the former Brighton man to come good at Hotspur Way in the coming months. As per Fabrizio Romano (via Chris Cowlin),
“Tottenham decided to back Roberto De Zerbi in the summer by trusting his ideas. Obviously everything was not possible, but it was still a very ambitious market, a very expensive market. When I say not everything, for example, Cody Gakpo, top target, but was no longer available. And then more things they wanted to do, but it’s normal. At no club do they complete the perfect market. But still, big investments and top players signed.”
The journalist added,
“So, the message from Tottenham, as of today, remains a message of confidence in Roberto De Zerbi. So, at the moment I don’t have any indication of Tottenham exploring different ways. I’m told that Tottenham still believe in the manager. I’m told Tottenham knew it was going to take time. It’s not a switch you make from 17th in the league, saving from relegation in the final game of the season, to Champions League spots just because you spend big money.”
The performances have improved, and there is clear intent from the players to start games on the front-foot by playing aggressive, high-pressing football. The only thing missing is the desired results. But the fans should remain patient, as it will take some time for the Lilywhites to go from narrowly avoiding relegation to contending for Champions League spots in the Premier League this season. For De Zerbi, it is important that he does not lose the dressing room and keeps the players on his side during this difficult period.
