Roberto De Zerbi could be a solid stylistic fit for Tottenham in the long term, but it’s a high-risk appointment right now—especially with Spurs in a desperate relegation fight in the 2025-26 season.
Any appointment would have echoes of Ange Postecoglou’s “Angeball”, which also prioritised dominating the ball, a high defensive line, and attacking football from the back. Tottenham’s squad has technically capable players (creative mids, wingers, etc.) who could theoretically thrive in De Zerbi’s system, similar to how he elevated Brighton into a top-half/Premier League challenger with attractive football.
Proven in the Premier League: At Brighton, he delivered exciting, progressive football and improved players significantly.
Innovative coach: Pep Guardiola has praised him as one of the most influential managers of the last 20 years.
Rebuilding ability: He can imprint a clear identity and get more out of squads than their raw talent suggests.
Long-term upside: If Spurs survive and give him a full pre-season + summer window, he could push for European spots with “De Zerbi ball.”
De Zerbi’s approach is very specific and time-intensive to implement. It doesn’t deliver instant results — his early days at Brighton were rocky, and his style requires buy-in, technical quality, and coordination that a confidence-drained, injury-hit Spurs squad (fresh off multiple managerial changes, including Ange and now Igor Tudor) may not provide quickly.
Red flags
Defensive fragility: His teams can concede too many chances despite aggressive pressing; Spurs are already leaky and low on confidence.
Personality and volatility: He’s outspoken, demanding, temperamental, and has had public clashes (with officials, opposition staff, and even club hierarchies). He left Marseille by mutual consent after a heavy defeat, and there have been reports of internal tensions.
Timing: Spurs are reportedly pushing him to take over now (with big salary/bonus incentives, possibly even a relegation release clause), but De Zerbi has signalled he’d prefer to wait until the summer if they stay up. Parachuting him in mid-crisis for a survival scrap looks like a bad idea to many observers; it could make things more chaotic.
Club fit/culture: Some see him as not fully aligned with Spurs’ identity or expectations, and there are off-field controversies (e.g., his support for Mason Greenwood drawing criticism from fans’ groups).
