Roberto De Zerbi, the newly appointed head coach for Tottenham Hotspur, has affirmed his intention to remain with the club even if they face relegation to the EFL Championship. He described his recently signed five-year contract as the “most significant challenge” of his professional career.
In an extensive interview shared on the club’s official X account, the Italian tactician elaborated on his decision to join Tottenham and outlined the steps necessary to navigate the team through its current “difficult period.”
I am incredibly happy and immensely proud to be here. I view Tottenham as one of the world’s most prominent clubs, and I am delighted. I bear a substantial responsibility, yet it presents a great challenge that I eagerly anticipate. I look forward to commencing work with the players and securing victories.
De Zerbi approached the challenges candidly, acknowledging the formidable situation the North London club currently faces.
With only seven games remaining, Spurs are precariously positioned just one point above the relegation zone. De Zerbi’s swift appointment aims to bolster their chances of Premier League survival.
I have closely followed many matches, particularly recent ones. I am very familiar with the players. My passion for football means I watch numerous games weekly. I understand the situation completely; it’s a tough period for Tottenham. Indeed, it’s a difficult time for everyone involved with the club. However, I believe we possess the necessary qualities to overcome this.
De Zerbi’s Faith in the Squad
A consistent theme throughout De Zerbi’s interview was his profound belief in the team’s capabilities.
I trust the players implicitly. I think it’s vital to recall our identity and the caliber of our players, as we have truly exceptional individuals. We must instill confidence in them and their abilities. They need to demonstrate their true potential and the standard of play they are accustomed to delivering.
He emphasized a pragmatic, game-by-game approach, discouraging preoccupation with future fixtures.
Our focus must be solely on the Sunderland game. I prefer not to discuss the upcoming schedule, whether it’s the Brighton match or the Wolves match. We must prepare the players for each game individually, concentrating solely on winning the task at hand.
Reflecting on past sentiments about Tottenham’s history, De Zerbi’s tone was earnest regarding the club’s identity.
We need to play with courage and leverage the players’ inherent qualities. My acceptance of this challenge stems from my immense confidence in the players and the distinctive style ingrained in Tottenham’s footballing history.
He also underscored the crucial role of the supporters:
The fans will be vital during these final seven games, especially now. We must stand united; they need to support the players, and in turn, the players must exhibit the right mentality and attitude to deliver satisfaction and the performance the fans desire to witness on the pitch. Because, following this segment of the season, I believe we can achieve greatness in the future.
Coaching Philosophy and Future Commitment
De Zerbi was questioned about his footballing philosophy and what Tottenham supporters could expect from his tactical approach.
I believe this isn’t the opportune moment to delve into my football philosophy. My immediate task, with the season nearing its end, is to win games. While style of play and tactical formations are important in football, ultimately, it’s about mentality. I aim to help the players achieve the strongest mentality possible.
He then unequivocally confirmed his commitment to lead the team next season, regardless of their league status.
I signed a five-year contract because this represents a significant challenge for me, and I will unequivocally be Tottenham’s coach next season, no matter the circumstances.
The Italian briefly touched upon his vision for play and expectations from his squad, stressing the importance of adapting his approach to suit the available talent.
I advocate for ball retention and possession. I enjoy creating scoring opportunities. Simultaneously, I believe in having eleven defenders when we lose the ball, because in modern football, we must attack with eleven players, including the goalkeeper, and defend with eleven when possession is not ours.
At this juncture, we don’t have extensive time to work on numerous foundational principles, but we must understand our roles on the pitch. We require sound organization both with and without the ball.
We must consider the players’ individual qualities. I am fortunate to have highly talented players, and my role is to empower them to showcase their abilities.
De Zerbi concluded with a heartfelt tribute to the sport:
I’ve often said football is my life, and my life is football. This holds true because football is my profession. I respect football immensely because it has given me everything. For me, it’s not merely work; it’s a profound passion.
If I’m home, I watch football; if I’m working, I’m watching football – nothing changes. For me, Tottenham, particularly at this moment, might be the paramount challenge of my career. I am prepared to embark on this challenge, bringing my unique characteristics, passion, footballing vision, and knowledge to the task.