Roberto De Zerbi's Shocking Tottenham Impact and Early Signs of Revival
In the latest edition of the Inside Football newsletter, Miguel Delaney provides an exclusive insight into the early influence of Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham Hotspur. A renewed atmosphere at the training ground has ignited growing confidence that the club can climb out of a fierce relegation battle.
Transformed Mood at Spurs
After months of profound misery, there is a genuinely changed mood surrounding Tottenham's training facilities. According to multiple sources, the players "love" Roberto De Zerbi. They feel engaged and believe they are making tangible progress under his guidance.
This transformation extends beyond the typical energy boost from a new manager, as Igor Tudor failed to inspire a similar response. It also surpasses the mere clarity of having a permanent coach again. De Zerbi brings a distinct tactical idea and infectious enthusiasm to the role.
Growing Confidence Amid Pressure
This positive shift explains why some within the club are conspicuously confident about securing Premier League survival, although the true test will come when his new team takes to the pitch in upcoming matches. The situation remains complicated and highly pressurised, with other staff members understandably anxious.
A private quip from one player highlights the tangible difference the squad has experienced. They feel De Zerbi has already coached them more than Thomas Frank, Ange Postecoglou, and Igor Tudor combined. Training sessions have been described as "excellent", with players responding very positively.
Why Spurs Persisted with De Zerbi
While such optimism often accompanies managerial changes, this wasn't the case with Tudor. Tottenham's hierarchy, often criticised, demonstrated clear rationale in their persistent pursuit of the Italian coach. With Mauricio Pochettino unavailable until after the USA's World Cup campaign, De Zerbi quickly became their primary target.
The club didn't want to persevere with interim appointments, given the uncertainty fostered by generally underwhelming temporary candidates. They sought a permanent manager who could articulate a proper vision and inspire the squad.
Alternative Options Explored
When De Zerbi's camp initially rejected the opportunity to take over this season, Spurs considered other high-profile alternatives:
- An informal approach was made to Fulham regarding Marco Silva, though no deal could be struck.
- Spurs investigated whether Unai Emery was attainable, but Aston Villa refused to countenance his departure.
With other appealing options proving too difficult to secure, Tottenham kept returning to De Zerbi, ultimately convincing him to take charge.
The Character Question
The first major test is keeping Tottenham in the Premier League. Doubts persist about whether the squad possesses the necessary "character" for this challenge, especially given references to players carrying significant football "scar tissue".
This is where De Zerbi's own personality becomes crucial. He brings bags of character, which may prove vital if West Ham United defeat Wolves, potentially pushing Spurs into the relegation zone before their Sunday trip to Sunderland.
Unprecedented Situation
It's unusual to secure a manager of De Zerbi's calibre at the bottom end of the table, but this stems from the unprecedented scenario of a club with Tottenham's wealth fighting relegation. Regardless, De Zerbi represents the "jolt" that has long been needed.
This explains the rationale against waiting until summer for a permanent appointment. Such sudden disruptions tend to have disproportionate influence in relegation battles, as evidenced by Nottingham Forest's repeated managerial changes.
Cautious Optimism
While other clubs view this appointment as "a risk", given the timing of starting a new project in such a problematic position, there is cautious optimism. Even if De Zerbi's approach requires time to fully implement, he's considered too good a coach not to devise gameplans to secure crucial individual matches.
One figure familiar with the new Spurs manager sounds a note of caution: "There's never an issue with De Zerbi at the beginning..." The truth will ultimately be revealed by performances, but Tottenham nevertheless feel better prepared than they have been for some time.
