Roberto De Zerbi Not A Big Deal – Former PL Chairman Weighs In On Spurs Boss | OneFootball

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Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has played down just what a coup Tottenham Hotspur have pulled off by appointing Roberto De Zerbi as their new boss.

While De Zerbi has yet to win a major trophy in one of Europe’s top leagues, he has built his reputation through spells at clubs such as Sassuolo, Brighton & Hove Albion and Marseille, largely due to his attacking philosophy.

The Italian manager has now been appointed as Spurs’ new boss following the departure of Igor Tudor, signing a long-term deal until 2031.

Following his appointment, he has reportedly become one of the highest paid managers in the Premier League, despite Tottenham being at risk of the drop.

With seven matches remaining, attention is now on De Zerbi and whether he can keep Spurs in the Premier League.

The Lilywhites are currently 17th in the table with 30 points, just one point above the relegation zone.

Spurs getting De Zerbi has been talked up in some quarters as a real coup, but Jordan does not see it that way and believes the Italian is not an elite manager at the moment.

He also pointed to comparisons with Marco Silva, indicating that De Zerbi is at a similar stage in his career, while adding that Tottenham’s current situation could ultimately benefit the Italian, given the scale of the opportunity and the financial rewards involved.

Jordan said on talkSPORT (8:29): “De Zerbi is not that big a deal. I mean, he’s managed Shakhtar Donetsk, Brighton and Marseille.

“I mean, we’re not talking about Carlo Ancelotti here.

“We’re talking about a manager that’s on his way up.

“We’re talking about a manager like Marco Silva that cut his bones at Hull City and he’s now getting bigger opportunities and people would consider Marco Silva to be as successful a manager as De Zerbi, but he’s managing Fulham.

“Tottenham is an infinitely bigger football club that’s got itself into an awful mess and they’re paying the price for it.

“And the beneficiary of that is De Zerbi and his bank balance.”

De Zerbi’s previous experience in the Premier League saw the Seagulls finish sixth in the 2022/23 season, their highest ever finish in the top flight, and qualify for European football for the first time in the club’s history.

Having signed a long term deal there will be an expectation on De Zerbi and Spurs to continue their association even if the club drop down into the Championship.

The Italian though would be likely to see a player exodus if Spurs lose their Premier League status, meaning a significant rebuilding job will be needed.