Roberto De Zerbi, the newly appointed head coach of Tottenham Hotspur, has affirmed his unwavering commitment to the club, stating he will remain even if they are relegated to the EFL Championship. This declaration follows the signing of a five-year contract, which he describes as the “most significant challenge” of his professional journey.
In an extensive interview shared on the club’s official X account, the Italian tactician elaborated on his decision to join Tottenham and outlined his strategy for guiding the team through its current “difficult period.”
“I am incredibly happy and deeply proud to be here,” De Zerbi stated. “I view Tottenham as one of the most prominent clubs globally, which fills me with immense satisfaction. While I acknowledge the substantial responsibility, it’s a monumental challenge I eagerly anticipate tackling. I look forward to commencing work with the players and securing victories.”
De Zerbi did not shy away from acknowledging the gravity of the situation, making no light of the precarious position the North London club currently faces.
With only seven matches remaining in the season, Spurs are perilously close to the relegation zone, holding just a one-point lead. De Zerbi’s swift appointment is a clear move to bolster their chances of Premier League survival.
“I’ve extensively watched their matches, particularly recent ones, and I’m well-acquainted with the players,” he explained. “My passion for football means I watch numerous games weekly. I understand the entirety of this challenging period for Tottenham – it’s tough for everyone involved. However, I am confident we possess the necessary qualities to emerge from this predicament.”
De Zerbi: “My Faith in the Players is Undeniable”
A recurring theme throughout De Zerbi’s interview was his profound belief in the current squad’s capabilities.
“I trust these players implicitly,” he emphasized. “We must remember who we are and the caliber of players we possess, as we have truly exceptional talents. Our approach must be built on confidence in them and their abilities. They need to demonstrate their true potential and play at the level they are accustomed to.”
He then stressed the importance of a focused, game-by-game approach, avoiding premature speculation.
“Our sole focus must be on the Sunderland game,” he asserted. “I choose not to dwell on the fixture list, whether it’s the Brighton match or the Wolves game. We will prepare the players one match at a time, concentrating entirely on winning that specific encounter.”
In a more earnest tone, contrasting a well-known meme involving Giorgio Chiellini’s comments on Tottenham’s history, De Zerbi shared his serious perspective.
“We must play with courage, leveraging the players’ innate qualities,” he stated. “My acceptance of this challenge stems from my deep confidence in these players and Tottenham’s rich footballing history, which embodies a distinct playing style.”
“The fans will be instrumental in these final seven games, especially during this critical phase,” he added. “We must stand united; they need to support the players closely, and in turn, the players must exhibit the right mentality and attitude to deliver the satisfaction and performance the fans expect on the pitch.”
“After navigating this segment of the season, I believe we can achieve great things in the future,” he concluded.
De Zerbi Discusses Footballing Ethos and Confirms Future at Spurs
When questioned about his footballing philosophy and what Spurs supporters could anticipate from his style of play, De Zerbi offered a pragmatic response.
“Now is not the opportune moment to extensively discuss my football philosophy,” he explained. “I am here at the season’s end with a clear objective: to win games. While style of play and tactical formations are important in football, it’s fundamentally about mentality. My primary goal is to help the players achieve and demonstrate their optimal mindset.”
He then explicitly confirmed his intention to remain as coach next season, even in the event of relegation.
“I signed a five-year contract because this represents a significant challenge for me,” De Zerbi declared. “I will absolutely be the coach of Tottenham next season, regardless of the outcome.”
The Italian briefly touched upon his general outlook on play and his expectations from his squad, emphasizing the necessity of adapting his approach to the available players.
“I value ball retention and possession, as well as creating scoring opportunities,” he articulated. “Simultaneously, I expect all eleven players, including the goalkeeper, to defend when we don’t have the ball, just as we attack with all eleven. In this current phase, we don’t have extensive time to delve into numerous tactical principles, but we must have a clear understanding of our roles on the pitch. We need solid organization both with and without the ball.”
“We must always consider the players’ individual qualities,” he added. “I am fortunate to have highly talented players, and my role is to empower them to showcase their abilities.”
De Zerbi concluded his interview with a heartfelt tribute to the sport itself.
“I’ve often said that football is my life, and my life is football – and it’s truly accurate,” he reflected. “Football is my profession, and I respect it immensely because it has given me everything. For me, it isn’t merely work; it’s a profound passion. Whether I’m at home or at work, I’m watching football; nothing changes. For me, Tottenham, especially at this juncture, is perhaps the most crucial challenge of my entire career. I am fully prepared to embark on this journey, bringing my distinctive characteristics, passion, vision for the game, and knowledge to the task.”
