Roberto De Zerbi has made his intentions clear as he steps into the hotseat at Tottenham Hotspur for the final seven games of the season.
The Italian manager was appointed as Spurs’ third manager of the season, arriving with the club sitting just one point above the relegation zone.
De Zerbi left Marseille by mutual consent in February before Tottenham moved quickly to bring him in following the departure of interim boss Igor Tudor.
Tudor lasted just 44 days and seven games in charge before the club decided a change was necessary to address their dire league form.
Tottenham have failed to win a single league game in 2026, making De Zerbi’s task one of the most challenging managerial appointments in recent Premier League history.
The club last suffered relegation in 1977, and the prospect of dropping to the Championship has created enormous pressure at Spurs heading into the final stretch.
De Zerbi was defiant in his opening press conference, insisting the squad has the quality to survive and that his job is to restore belief within the group.
“I believe in the players. I think we have to remember who we are, and who the players are because we have very big players,” De Zerbi told reporters.
The new Spurs boss outlined exactly what he demands from his players tactically, focusing on organisation and courage rather than elaborate build-up play.
“I don’t have time for principles or build-up, I want to give organisation with the ball and without the ball,” he said ahead of his first game away at Sunderland.
De Zerbi stressed that the attacking identity of Tottenham must be restored, believing it is central to the club’s character and to getting results quickly.
“The right spirit, courage to play and attack. The DNA of this club and squad is to find the goal, to score. In this part, I can be able to transfer my principle,” he added.
In a significant commitment to the club’s long-term future, De Zerbi confirmed he will remain at Tottenham next season regardless of whether they are relegated.
“I signed 5 years of contract because for me it’s a big challenge and I will be the coach of Tottenham next season, no matter what,” De Zerbi stated firmly.
The five-year deal reflects the scale of ambition on both sides, with De Zerbi describing this appointment as the most important challenge of his managerial career.
