Tottenham have had a range of problems this season, from managerial issues to an injury crisis. They now sit 17th in the Premier League, one point above the relegation zone.
To avoid the looming drop, Tottenham are set to appoint their third manager this season, and it appears it will be Roberto De Zerbi.
They sacked Thomas Frank in February and mutually parted ways with Igor Tudor earlier this month. They are also winless in domestic games since December 28 last year.
Spurs are now desperately looking for points, having managed just one in their last seven Premier League games. With relegation rivals West Ham and Nottingham Forest gaining momentum, they need quick solutions.
Paul Merson unsure about De Zerbi’s playing style at Tottenham
Arguably, Spurs’ biggest issue over the years has been a lack of direction, leading to numerous managers with different playing styles. Following Tudor’s exit, Tottenham were linked with Sean Dyche and De Zerbi, who have completely different kinds of playing styles.
Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson compared the two on Sky Sports. He said that De Zerbi could have issues implementing his playing style at Tottenham quickly enough to save them from relegation. He wrote in his column for Sky Sports:
“The problem is he’ll come in. And he is a good manager, but he plays a certain way. He likes to open the game up.
“He likes the centre half to get on the ball and hold it. When someone closes them down, then you pass the ball, and then we’ll take that player out of the game.
“You’re going to ask Tottenham players to do this, who are so low at the moment they could literally walk underneath a snake with a top hat on.”
“So you’re asking people to do stuff that is not easy. It’s not easy to play under De Zerbi. You watch Brighton play, and they play. It was nice.
“It’s not a Sean Dyche who comes in and goes ‘right, bang, bang. I’m going to make your job so, so easy. You’re going to play there, you’re going to play there. Do your job. You work hard. We’ll get results.”
Also Read: The five Tottenham players who will really come under the microscope under Roberto De Zerbi
Merson further emphasized the lack of time and added:
“This is completely different. You know, there’ll be a book and De Zerbi will be saying ‘you’ve got to pass there. When he goes there, you’ve got to drop in there and you drop back’. I don’t know if they have time for that.”
De Zerbi’s contract will reportedly have a bonus clause for keeping Tottenham in the Premier League beyond this season.
A look at Tottenham’s remaining fixtures
It appears that Spurs are set to appoint Roberto De Zerbi as their permanent head coach. His first assignment will be the Premier League clash against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Notably, the Black Cats have seven wins and five draws in their 15 home games in the league this season.
Also Read: Why Tottenham fan groups made strong statements against appointing Roberto de Zerbi as manager
They will then host De Zerbi’s former side, Brighton, before facing Wolves away. They will also face Aston Villa and Chelsea away, while hosting Leeds United in between. They will end their season with a home game against Everton.
While getting 10 points from these fixtures could be manageable, it’s important to remember that Tottenham are winless in their last 13 league games. Hence, it would take a major turnaround if they are to avoid relegation.
