De Zerbi Reflects on Tottenham Appointment and Managerial Comparisons
Roberto de Zerbi, who managed Marseille from July 2024 to February 2026, has taken charge as Tottenham Hotspur's manager, preparing for his first Premier League match with the club. De Zerbi stated he does not consider himself superior to his predecessors Thomas Frank or Igor Tudor as he assumes leadership of the struggling side.
Tottenham's next match will be against Sunderland, marking De Zerbi's debut as Spurs manager. He was appointed on 31 March, with the club positioned just one point above the relegation zone and seven games remaining in the season.
De Zerbi is Tottenham's third manager this season, following Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor, the latter of whom lasted only 44 days and seven matches in charge.
"I am proud and happy to be here and I have to say thank you to Vinai [Venkatesham] and Johan [Lange] because they showed me a big, big confidence," said De Zerbi on Friday.
"I'm sure about the level of the players because I was very, very close to bringing many of these players to my former teams in the past.
"I think I am not better than Frank or Tudor because I consider them very good coaches.
"I try to bring my style, my character, my personality and my strengths to achieve our target, which is the most important part now."
Tottenham have struggled domestically in 2026, failing to win a league game so far this year and securing only two league victories since 26 October 2025. The club was also eliminated from the Champions League in the last 16 by Atletico Madrid, losing 7-5 on aggregate.
Historically, Spurs have maintained a strong presence in the top flight, having spent only one season outside it since 1950, which was in 1977-78.
"For me, it was a big opportunity because Tottenham are a very important club in the Premier League and the Premier League is the best league in the world," De Zerbi, who previously managed Brighton from 2022 to 2024, added.
"I love the qualities of the players and the crucial part that there was 12 days before the first game and for me it was important to have more than one week. I thought it would be important to understand the problems.
"The message for my staff and players is that we have to deserve the support because the fans are suffering like us. But for the fans, there is just one club. The players can change but for the fans, their club is unique.
"We have to make them happy with the right spirit and the right behaviour on the pitch. Then it's easier to make points."
Tottenham will travel to Sunderland's Stadium of Light for their upcoming fixture on Sunday, with kickoff scheduled for 14:00 BST. Sunderland currently sit 11th in the league.
Mohammed Kudus Injury and Squad Fitness Challenges
Tottenham's campaign has been adversely affected by injuries to key players. Creative midfielders Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison have been sidelined long-term. Striker Dominic Solanke has also missed months due to an ankle injury, and Xavi Simons has faced fitness challenges during his debut season in England.
Mohammed Kudus, who transferred from West Ham in the summer, suffered a setback this week in his recovery from a thigh injury. This may require surgery and is expected to rule him out for the remainder of the season.
"Kudus was in my head a crucial player, especially for the position but we have to look forward," De Zerbi commented.
"We have a lot of very good attackers but we have to help them and put them in the very best condition. I know [Randal] Kolo Muani isn't having a great season but he is a good player. I know him, like Mathys Tel, I wanted him when I was in Marseille.
"Simons is a big talent, Richarlison and [Dominic] Solanke you know better than me, so we have to put them in the best condition we can."
De Zerbi also confirmed that goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will miss the Sunderland match due to hernia surgery performed during the international break.
"I hope he can come back early next week, but I don't know yet," De Zerbi said.
He added that midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is training with the squad but is not yet fully fit.
"[Rodrigo] Bentancur is working with us but not completely. But we have enough to fight and to play and to get points."
De Zerbi’s Future Plans at Tottenham
The 46-year-old manager expressed a desire to remain at Tottenham for an extended period.
"I don't know how many years. In Marseille, my idea was to stay for a long time but then you have to speak with the club and when you have different views of the football or other things, you have to leave.
"In my plan, the idea is to stay for a long time. I'm not speaking about titles because it's not the right moment now, but to help Tottenham to stay in the Premier League."
De Zerbi on Previous Tottenham Coaches
De Zerbi has acknowledged the contributions of former Tottenham managers Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor, emphasizing respect for their coaching abilities while aiming to implement his own style and strengths to meet the club's objectives.
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