One huge name in the frame at Tottenham for the new job is Roberto De Zerbi, who MediaFoot in France say is in pole position.
The positives about this excellent coach speak for themselves
De Zerbi is renowned for an attacking, possession-based approach that emphasizes building from the back, baiting the press to create “artificial transitions,” quick passing, fluid rotations, and high-risk, high-reward football.
This could excite Tottenham fans who have long craved entertaining, proactive play. His teams often dominate possession and create overloads through intelligent movement—qualities that could elevate Spurs’ current squad, which has talented attackers but has struggled for consistency and identity under recent managers.
Roberto’s time at Brighton (2022–2024) was highly impressive—he transformed them into a top-half side, secured European qualification (6th in 2022/23), and developed players while playing attractive football against bigger teams. This proves he can succeed in England’s demanding environment.
The negatives are perhaps too risky, after all, we are discussing relegation
Defensive Vulnerabilities: His high-risk style (inviting pressure to counter) can leave teams exposed out of possession, leading to inconsistencies and heavy defeats when it fails. This was evident in his Marseille exit (e.g., poor Champions League showings and a 5-0 loss to PSG). Tottenham’s squad has defensive frailties, so this could amplify issues unless he gets time and signings to balance it.
No Major Trophies: Despite acclaim (Pep Guardiola has called him one of the most influential managers in recent years), De Zerbi lacks big silverware, which might concern a club like Spurs aiming to compete at the top.
Short Tenures and Demands: He left Brighton after a strong spell (reportedly over recruitment frustrations) and Marseille after about 1.5 years amid mixed results. He wants significant control, which could clash with Tottenham’s structure if not aligned.
Overall, De Zerbi stands out among current candidates (e.g., Mauricio Pochettino for nostalgia, Oliver Glasner, Marco Silva, or others) for his tactical innovation and proven Premier League impact.
If Tottenham prioritizes exciting, progressive football over immediate pragmatism, he’d be an excellent choice and potentially transformative.
