If there is a director who represents ‘To Dare is To Do’, it is Roberto De Zerbi.
The front-footer has now spent over a week with his new Tottenham squad and will no doubt find out just how difficult it will be to ensure the club remain in the Premier League.
As in the case of coach Igor Tudor last time, it is a very attractive job on the outside, but on the inside, the players lack confidence and are full of injuries.
But with all his talent, De Zervi will feel he still has enough to avoid relegation.
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Spurs players will be cheered by his arrival. Because we understand that the players have really enjoyed their first training sessions so far under the Italian coach.
That positivity will be tested in De Zerbi’s first game in charge on Sunday when Tottenham travel to Sunderland. sky sports.
If West Ham beat bottom-placed Wolves at home in Friday Night Football, Tottenham could find themselves in the relegation zone after kick-off. sky sports.
So who will De Zerbi nominate in his first starting XI at the Stadium of Light, where Spurs may need to avoid defeat to climb out of the bottom three?
Goalkeepers, left-backs and midfielders will make interesting calls.
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A behind-the-scenes look at Roberto De Zerbi’s first training session in charge of Spurs as he begins to build his new squad (Video courtesy of Tottenham Hotspur)
De Zerbi will hold his first press conference on Friday where he will announce whether he will be a goalkeeper or not. william vicar That’s enough to get you started.
Vicario underwent hernia surgery during the international break, but was expected to be able to “return within the next month.”
However, that period raises serious doubts about Sunday, so it seems likely. Antonin Kinski He will be making his first start since coming on as a notorious 17th-minute substitute in the Champions League round of 16 first leg loss to Atletico Madrid last month. De Zerbi needs to boost the 23-year-old’s confidence.
In front of him, the former Brighton manager is likely to take charge of the back four. Pedro Foro, Christian Romero, Mickey van der Ven and Destiny Udogi. De Zerbi may prefer his countrymen before his own. DeJed Spence This would be an interesting call for a left-back.
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Tottenham Hotspur’s new manager Roberto De Zervi has spoken about his long-term commitment to the club and addressed criticism of Mason Greenwood. YouTube Credit: @TottenhamHotspur
Another interesting decision is the midfield pairing.
Lucas Bergval De Zervi’s appointment could see the Sweden international prove to be a key player for the former Marseille manager, with the pair pictured together on several occasions during training.
I think he’ll start with a teenage companion. arch grayBy some distance he was the best player under Tudor.
But I wouldn’t be surprised if De Zerbi picks the bite and the experience. Joao Palhinya. The Bayern Munich loanee, who has made the most tackles in the Premier League this season, was described as a natural signing at the start of the season but has been in odd form over the last few months.
I think De Zerbi will start with Gray and Bergvall as midfielders, followed by a front four in attack to complete his predicted 4-2-3-1 setup.
Simons is set to take on a big role under De Zerbi.
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He scored twice against Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the last 16 of the Champions League, but lost 3-0 to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest and were eliminated by Tudor.
It was a puzzling decision for the Croatian, but under De Zervi he was able to start in a far more effective number 10 role than on the left wing.
Tottenham lack creativity Dejan Kulusevski Expected to miss the remainder of the season james madison Simons, who is still recovering from an ACL injury, will have a big role to play under De Zerbi.
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Former Tottenham midfielder David Bentley told Sky Sports News’ fan club that he believes Tottenham have enough to endure but it is a ‘scary time’ for the club.
mattis phone He will be hoping to shake off the injury he picked up against Forest and start on the right. Randal Kolo Muani could take over this role if the Frenchman is not suitable.
And on the other side it looks like this mohammed jerusalem There’s still a week left until I return. richarli song You should start there.
So, as the Brazilian national team went out to the side, Dominic Solanke Despite the international break against England, they will lead the way.
Will De Zerbi be able to bring Romero and Van de Ven into focus amid speculation?
The focus was on whether De Zerbi could implement his attacking, front-footed style of play so quickly.
but Sky Sports News Reports suggest De Zerbi knows he cannot overcomplicate or embarrass his players in the current situation. Instead, he will simplify the game and tactics to maximize profits in the short term.
So what should he do?
Well, he has to give confidence to his players. And a first league win in 2026 would go a long way to solving this problem.
It’s a real shame that Spurs are winless in the Premier League this year, but there’s a feeling that just one win is all they need to get them on their way.
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Former Spurs player Jamie O’Hara explains the three key points Roberto De Zervi needs to address if Tottenham Hotspur are to survive this season.
Get defenders Romero and Van de Ven in the right frame of mind and Tottenham have a strong chance of scoring together.
Both men’s futures have been in the spotlight this season and just this week Romero’s father has been talking about a release clause in his contract. Sky Sports News I understand that this does not exist.
If De Zerbi can get both players to focus on the here and now, this could be the key to him keeping Spurs out of trouble.
Tottenham’s difficult situation reflects a club in crisis.
You can blame the manager, the board decisions and the players, but the only focus right now is Premier League survival.
Once this is achieved, an investigation and review can begin.
Tottenham cannot be relegated and it is now up to De Zerbi to prevent it.
Strap on. Under passionate Italians this can be one hell of a drive.
