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Victor Wanyama has now offered a clear verdict on Roberto De Zerbi, backing the Italian to steady the Tottenham ship – but not without a necessary shift in approach as Spurs fight to avoid disaster.
Roberto De Zerbi’s first training session at Tottenham Hotspur has left a positive impression on Spurs players, who were delighted with the Italian’s methods.
That is, of course, a good sign for Tottenham, who will need confidence heading into the final seven games of the Premier League season, with relegation still very much a reality.
De Zerbi has a clear focus on helping Tottenham avoid the drop with seven games remaining, and he has acknowledged that such a challenge may limit his ability to fully implement his principles from the outset.
Victor Wanyama backs Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi to deliver survival and success
Former Tottenham favourite Victor Wanyama has now become the latest to back Roberto De Zerbi to not only save Spurs from relegation, but turn them into a competitive force once again.
Jay Bothroyd also believes that De Zerbi will deliver European football at Spurs next season, turning them into a force to be reckoned with again.
Tottenham, however, will take to the pitch for the first time under their new manager on April 12, a game in which they will be eyeing victory.
Speaking about De Zerbi’s track record and the impact he can have, Wanyama explained why he believes the Italian is the right fit, as quoted in the Daily Mail: “I have studied him closely. Everywhere he has gone he has improved teams.
“I have long admired De Zerbi since I noticed what he was doing with Sassuolo. Look at Shakhtar, Brighton and Marseille. He changes sides, he moulds them so they are not just survivors, they are competitors.
“I firmly believe he is the right man for Tottenham. He can keep them up, 100 per cent.
“He may need to compromise principles at first, but he is very experienced, he knows what is missing and what is necessary.”
Tottenham injuries and returning stars could shape Spurs revival
Wanyama also opened up on Tottenham’s precarious injury situation, one they have endured for most of the season.
The midfielder acknowledged that those injuries have played a role in the club’s struggles before naming the players he expects to turn things around.
Discussing the impact of injuries and the importance of key players returning, Wanyama said, “It has been difficult for the coaches at Tottenham this season because of the amount of injuries they have had. They have had 10 to 15 players out at different times and that certainly did not help.
“The club has tried different approaches but it is tough when you do not have the full squad together.
“If they can get Kudus, Maddison and Bentancur back they can play a big part in turning it around. Also getting Solanke back into a rhythm. It will make them much more solid as a unit when they have that threat.”
The former Tottenham man, who was present at the club’s clash against Liverpool late last year, is also aiming for a return later this month when Spurs take on Brighton.
Speaking about his connection to the club and a possible return to support them, Wanyama added: “I still keep in touch with some of the medical staff at Spurs and people who work in the offices. Hopefully, I will be over for the Brighton game to support them.”
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