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New Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has now sent a message to Spurs fans, explaining why he chose to join the club, what his early experience at Tottenham has been like, and whether they can avoid relegation.
Tottenham Hotspur fans will be hoping that the final part of the Premier League season is much better than the last eight months, as their side fights to avoid relegation from the English first division.
A lot has been done off the pitch in recent weeks to ensure that Tottenham are in the best position to secure their Premier League status, with Roberto De Zerbi the latest to come in after disappointing spells from both Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor.
The new Spurs manager barely has any time to spare, with seven games left in the league – matches he must get results in if he is to keep Tottenham in the first division.
De Zerbi’s debut is on Sunday, and in his first pre-match presser, he has opened up on Spurs’ chances of survival, what it means to join Tottenham, and why he made the move.
Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi outlines Spurs survival belief after appointment
Speaking about his decision to join Tottenham and his early impressions of the squad, Roberto De Zerbi expressed pride in taking the role while also outlining the task ahead.
He told the official Tottenham channels: “First of all, I’m proud and I’m happy to be here. I have to say thank you to Vinai (Venkatesham) and Johan (Lange) because they show me big, big confidence.
“Now I have to work and now we have to make points. I’m sure about the level of the players because many players in the past I was very, very close to bringing them to my former teams.
“They are working very well. I think I’m not better than Thomas Frank or Igor Tudor because I consider them very good coaches.
“I try to bring my style and myself, my character, my personality and my passion to help the players show their qualities – because they have a lot of qualities – and then to achieve our target which is the most important part now.”
Addressing whether he is confident Spurs can avoid relegation, De Zerbi made his belief clear while also touching on the mentality within the squad and his own commitment.
He added: “Yes. I knew before working with them that I understood they are good guys. The fans have to be happy because all the players are good guys and are suffering in this difficult situation.
“I want to see it on the game, because during the week is easier. I think the voice inside of the pitch has changed. I observed them at the beginning of my time last week and now I’m more positive for sure.
“I believe we will keep in the Premier League, first of all. I want to work in the Premier League and I think I deserve to work in the Premier League. The main sense of my work is more than league.
“And anyway, if I sign my contract in April, I have to be ready to stay no matter what in the next season. I want to stay focused on Sunderland and the other six games. My idea is very clear.”
Spurs message clear as Roberto De Zerbi sets tone for survival fight
In his message to Spurs fans, De Zerbi pointed towards the need for the team to earn the supporters’ backing through performances and attitude, choosing not to address fans directly instead sending a message to his players and staff.
He said: “I have no message. In the last game against Nottingham Forest, they were fantastic before the game.
“The message is for my staff and my players – we have to deserve their support because the fans are suffering like us, like the players. But for the fans, there is just one club and one team.
“The players can change but for the fans it’s unique their club. So we have to make our fans happy by playing well, with the right spirit, attitude and the right behaviour on the pitch. Then it’s easier to make points.”
Explaining why he chose to join Tottenham at this stage, the Italian described it as a major opportunity while also highlighting the short preparation time he valued.
He added: “Why now? Because it depends on the angle how you look at the situation. For my perspective, it was a big opportunity because Tottenham are one of the most important clubs in the Premier League and the Premier League is the best league in the world.
“I love the qualities of the players – we have a lot of specific players for my style. Then there was the crucial part that there was 12 days before the first game and for me it was important to have not too much time but more than one week.
“I thought that could be important to understand the problems. I don’t want to give too many principles, too many instructions on the pitch, if we’re just talking about football. But organisation with the ball and without the ball – I’m hoping in one week or 10 days to reach this target for me.”
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