Reports suggest that Tottenham Hotspur have turned to Roberto De Zerbi to save them from relegation. The Italian, previously expected to wait until the summer, has reportedly been convinced by a five-year contract. Not only will De Zerbi be tasked with ensuring survival, but he also appears to be a long-term appointment aimed at restoring Spurs to the upper reaches of the Premier League.
Igor Tudor departed by mutual consent on Sunday, leaving Spurs 17th. The club remain just one point above the relegation zone with seven matches remaining. Expectations were that Spurs would opt for another interim manager, with Ryan Mason, Harry Redknapp and Ben Davies linked. De Zerbi’s potential immediate appointment signals their urgency to escape their current predicament, with little time to wait for a summer move.
Read More: Igor Tudor Leaves Tottenham Hotspur
Is De Zerbi the Man to Save Tottenham?
Why the Move Makes Sense
Tottenham’s form has been disappointing all season, and they have offered little entertainment. A move for De Zerbi is an attempt to solve that. He has long been praised for implementing an aesthetic brand of football. Intricate build-up and positional rotations underpin his attractive style, as his teams lure the opposition out of position and create overloads in attacking areas. His ability to get the most out of attackers is an exciting trait, particularly with Mathys Tel finding form and James Maddison expected to return soon. Where Thomas Frank prioritised stability and Igor Tudor attempted to steady the ship, De Zerbi brings a sense of organised chaos.
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When Tudor was initially appointed, his lack of Premier League experience invited criticism. His potential replacement’s stint at Brighton proves he is not only able to manage in England, but can thrive. In two seasons on the south coast, he helped the club achieve their highest-ever Premier League finish (sixth), made an FA Cup semi-final appearance and reached the last 16 of the Europa League. Spurs’ predicament requires urgency, and fortunately, De Zerbi will not require an adaptation period to the league like Tudor.
The Risks Involved
The former Marseille man’s football is equally enthralling and risky. While inviting the opposition press is central to his strategy, it increases the chance of losing possession in dangerous areas. Where relegation battles are usually defined by defensive solidity, Tottenham would be gambling on the complete opposite.
Moreover, the current squad lacks profiles able to implement De Zerbi’s plan – likely why he intended to wait until the summer when the transfer window opens. Spurs have struggled in build-up all season, with a lack of press-resistant midfielders in the squad. While De Zerbi may not need time to adapt, the players would require a period to understand and deploy his tactical vision.
Analysis: To Dare is to Do
On paper, Roberto De Zerbi to Tottenham would have been a better move at the conclusion of the season. He is the type of coach Spurs supporters tend to gravitate towards, attacking, front-foot football. The reported five-year contract shows that Spurs believe he is the right man in the long-term.
While the risk his style brings makes the timing of the move questionable, the ‘safer’ appointment of Thomas Frank proved a poor decision, and Igor Tudor was similarly unable to bring stability. Tottenham’s motto is ‘To dare is to do’, and recent successful managers such as Mauricio Pochettino and Ange Postecoglou were also perceived gambles. It may not appear ideal, but perhaps the organised chaos De Zerbi brings is exactly what Tottenham need.
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