Sandro Ranieri is a cult figure at Tottenham Hotspur. While the midfielder impressed during his playing days, he has also become an excellent unofficial ambassador for the club.
The Brazilian star joined Tottenham from Brazilian side Internacional in 2014 and moved to Queens Park Rangers two years later. He made 106 appearances for the north London side, scoring three goals and providing three assists.
Following his retirement in 2024, Sandro has often been seen at Tottenham, either as a guest or just as a fan to watch games. He is open in his appreciation for the club on social media and also has an excellent connection with the fans.
Ex-Tottenham star Sandro hailed Roberto De Zerbi in 2023
Tottenham are currently battling relegation and have appointed their third manager this season – Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian would bring extensive experience from Italy, the Premier League, and most recently, Ligue 1, to Spurs.
Notably, at Benevento, De Zerbi also managed Sandro, who was also his team’s captain. While he was at the club for just a year, the Italian made a big impact on the Brazilian, who said on talkSPORT in 2023:
“I worked with him and fell in love with him in the first week … He’s got passion. He’s there every day, like a teacher. He practised a lot, the repetition. He’s a manager who wants to have the ball all the time. A very intelligent and very particular manager who thinks a lot about the game.”
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Labeling De Zerbi the best coach he’s played under, Sandro added:
“I didn’t know that I was going to meet one of the best coaches that I’ve had. It was amazing because I learned a lot from him, and I really enjoyed playing for him. I saw great things. When I arrived there, I was already an experienced player, and I’d seen so many coaches.”
“He made me come to games with fire, like ‘what’s he going to teach us today? What are we going to do?’ You must be good to do that. I wanted more. I wanted to play for him.”
Sandro made 14 appearances under De Zerbi at Benevento, scoring one goal.
Sandro’s comments will come as a big boost for Tottenham fans
The Brazilian midfielder is highly appreciated among the Tottenham fanbase, and his words will certainly hold weight. Moreover, his high praise of De Zerbi will also ease some reservations regarding the Italian’s playing style.
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Apart from the moral concerns, there are also questions about how quickly he can implement his style in the Premier League.
In 2023, Brighton defender Lewis Dunk said that the initial days under De Zerbi were horrendous for him. While he recovered well with the Seagulls, Spurs have just seven games to save themselves from relegation.
Hence, they will be desperate for the Italian to start winning games from the get-go. Their first match under De Zerbi will be at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland on April 12.
