Gordon Strachan has compared Roberto De Zerbi’s touchline temperament to Sir Alex Ferguson’s, saying the Tottenham manager’s intensity is a key reason he does not expect Spurs to repeat the disappointment of the past two seasons.
Spurs finished 17th in each of the last two campaigns. Last season, a matchday 38 victory over Everton secured their Premier League status, while West Ham United were relegated.
Strachan’s top-five prediction
Asked to name his top five for the coming Premier League season, Strachan selected Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal among the leading contenders. He also identified Brighton as an outside contender and said Aston Villa could challenge for the top three.
Strachan said Tottenham should also be in the conversation after their summer spending. Spurs have completed seven signings to strengthen their defence, midfield and attack, with their outlay reported at £322m.
He suggested that Tottenham had taken a chance by moving early in the transfer window, arguing that clubs must pay more to complete deals quickly.
The Ferguson comparison
Strachan’s case for improvement rests heavily on De Zerbi’s temperament. He described the Italian as permanently angry and compared that drive to Ferguson’s approach during his own playing days.
According to Strachan, the atmosphere under Ferguson was shaped by a fear of defeat rather than simply the need to win. He believes De Zerbi can bring a similar edge to his teams and pressure them to avoid losing.
Strachan also said he viewed De Zerbi more highly than players discussed at £50m or £60m, describing him as a potential top player who has not yet been fully recognised. He pointed to Brighton’s squad as a collective group of underrated players.
Expectation after heavy spending
The scale of Tottenham’s investment raises expectations for the new campaign. Further details on where Savinho ranks among Tottenham’s record signings underline the size of the club’s summer business.
Verdict
Strachan believes Tottenham have the manager and the spending power to avoid another difficult season. After two 17th-place finishes and a £322m outlay, Spurs face clear pressure to make a significant improvement.
