Alex MacQuoid
De Zerbi Demands Attacking Football as Spurs Battle Relegation
Roberto De Zerbi has made his mandate clear at Tottenham Hotspur: the club must return to its attacking roots to escape relegation. Appointed as Spurs’ third manager this season, the Italian tactician brings seven matches to guide the North London side to safety, a challenge he describes as the biggest of his career.
The urgency is unmistakable. Tottenham has not recorded a Premier League victory in 2026, while accumulating only 40 league goals with a negative goal difference of -10. The club sits 17th, just one point above the drop zone after stumbling under Thomas Frank and interim manager Igor Tudor.
De Zerbi stated plainly: “I don’t have time for principles or build-up, I want to give organisation with the ball and without the ball. The DNA of this club and squad is to find the goal, to score.”
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Speaking ahead of his debut at Sunderland on Sunday, the former Brighton & Hove Albion boss emphasised character and courage. “What I want to achieve is the character. The right spirit, courage to play and attack. In this part, I can be able to transfer my principle,” he explained.
“We need to make the fans happy with the right football, the right spirit and behaviour on the pitch. The message for my staff and players is we have to deserve their support.”
De Zerbi committed to a long-term contract regardless of outcome, reinforcing his conviction: “I believe to keep Spurs in the Premier League, it has to be clear to everyone, because I want to work in the Premier League. I think I deserve to work in the Premier League. If I sign my contract in April, I have to be ready to stay no matter what in the next season.”
Injury Setback Complicates Task
The manager confronts an immediate obstacle with Mohammed Kudus suffering a setback in his quad recovery, jeopardising both his availability and his World Cup participation.
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De Zerbi acknowledged the blow but identified alternatives: “Kudus was, in my head, a crucial player. But we have to look forward. We have a lot of very good attackers and we have to help them show their qualities.” He highlighted Randal Kolo Muani, Mathys Tel, Xavi Simons, Richarlison, and Dominic Solanke as capable performers capable of delivering goals in the survival push.
Spurs face a narrow window. Six matches remain after Sunderland, and De Zerbi’s attacking philosophy must translate into results immediately. Follow TipsGG coverage for updates on Tottenham’s fight for Premier League survival.