Tottenham explain Roberto De Zerbi appointment as relegation scrap looms | OneFootball

Italian has seven matches to keep Spurs in the top flight - but is he up to the task?

De Zerbi was sacked by Marseille in February not long after the club were knocked out of the Champions League, and has now signed a long-term deal as Tottenham’s head coach.

His immediate priority will be keeping the club in the Premier League, after which he has set his sights on achieving ‘great’ things with the side. It had initially been reported that he was not keen to take over the side until the summer, but has agreed to take over now and been thrown into the thick of the relegation battle.

Lange and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham have come in for considerable criticism amid Spurs’ struggles this season, with Frank and Tudor’s appointments and subsequent poor form leaving supporters disillusioned.

Speaking after De Zerbi signed, though, Lange explained Spurs had long been admirers of the former Brighton boss’ work, pointing out his penchant for attack-minded football.

“Roberto was our number one target for the summer and we are very pleased to be able to bring him in now,” he said.

“He is one of the most creative and forward-thinking coaches in world football, and brings with him a wealth of experience at the highest level, including in the Premier League.”

Spurs executives Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham are under as much pressure as Roberto De Zerbi, if not more

Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

Spurs had attempted to appoint De Zerbi as head coach last summer before ultimately taking on Frank, who was sacked in February with the side five points clear of the relegation zone.

The Dane left supporters frustrated with his brand of patient, pragmatic football. De Zerbi’s style could not be more different, though, with a focus on all-out attack.

He has taken time to get his message across in earlier jobs, though, and does not have time on his side as he looks to keep Spurs away from a first relegation since 1977.

Speaking after signing, he said: “Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season.

“I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that.”