I’m not better than Frank or Tudor – Spurs boss De Zerbi

Roberto de Zerbi, the new manager of Tottenham Hotspur, has expressed humility about his role, stating he is “not better” than his predecessors Thomas Frank or Igor Tudor. The Italian took charge of the club in March 2026, stepping in as they faced a precarious position in the Premier League with just seven matches left and one point above the relegation zone.

A New Chapter Begins

De Zerbi’s first match in charge will be against Sunderland, a team currently ranked 11th in the league. The encounter is set for Sunday, kicking off at 14:00 BST. The manager emphasized his commitment to the team, vowing to “stay for a long time” at the north London club and focus on securing their survival in the Premier League.

“I have to say thank you to Vinai and Johan for their confidence in me. I believe in the players’ potential because I’ve had the chance to work with many of them before,” De Zerbi shared on Friday.

Challenges Ahead

Tottenham’s season has been marked by setbacks, including a lack of league victories in 2026 and only two wins since October 26, 2025. Their recent exit from the Champions League in the last 16, following a 7-5 aggregate loss to Atlético Madrid, has added pressure. Since 1950, the club has only been outside the top flight once, during the 1977-78 campaign.

De Zerbi acknowledged the challenges, particularly the impact of injuries on key players. Mohammed Kudus, who joined from West Ham this summer, faces a potential setback with a thigh injury that might require surgery, leaving him sidelined for the rest of the season. Other critical absences include Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, both missing extended periods due to long-term issues.

“Kudus was vital for our attacking options, but we have to move forward. We’ve got strong forwards like Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel, and I’m confident we can maximize their strengths,” De Zerbi said.

Guglielmo Vicario, the goalkeeper, will also miss the Sunderland game after undergoing hernia surgery during the international break. While he hopes to return early next week, his absence adds to the team’s workload. De Zerbi highlighted that players like Richarlison and Dominic Solanke require tailored support to perform at their best.

Message to the Fans

Addressing the supporters, De Zerbi stressed the importance of “deserving their support” amid the team’s struggles. He noted that while players may change, the club’s identity remains tied to its fans. “We need to bring the right spirit and behavior on the pitch to make points and lift their spirits,” he added.

With seven games remaining, the manager aims to inject fresh energy into Tottenham’s campaign. His focus is on stability and progress, aiming to ensure the team avoids the drop and regains their footing in the league.

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