This is not about “vibes”; it’s about urgent necessity.
Tottenham’s decision to hire Roberto De Zerbi highlights the dire situation the club faces, as he could potentially lead them to either an extraordinary recovery or a disastrous downfall.
At first glance, De Zerbi’s appointment seems like a significant catch for a team that is on the brink of enduring a historic relegation in the Premier League. The Italian enjoyed remarkable success with Brighton, where he transformed a relatively unknown status into a reputation as one of Europe’s most coveted managers, attracting interest from clubs like Barcelona and Liverpool.
Roberto De Zerbi has been appointed Tottenham manager (Getty)
Taking over Brighton early in the 2022/23 season after Graham Potter moved to Chelsea, De Zerbi did not falter; instead, he propelled the team to unprecedented heights, achieving European qualification for the first time in the club’s history. This knack for achieving remarkable feats will likely appeal to Tottenham as they navigate their own crisis.
Tottenham is likely attracted to De Zerbi’s dynamic, attacking style of play. After enduring the uninspired tactics of Igor Tudor, a change in tactical approach is desperately needed. However, implementing such a style now presents considerable risk.
De Zerbi’s approach often involves luring opponents high up the pitch with a deep double pivot during goal kicks, necessitating smart and quick ball movement to exploit spaces created. In contrast, Tottenham has been reminiscent of a reckless child when playing from the back, as exemplified in their Champions League quarter-final rout against Atletico Madrid.
Additionally, his preference for intricate possession-based football clashes with Tottenham’s struggles under Tudor, where they managed to retain over 50% of the ball in just two matches. This disconnect raises concerns about how De Zerbi’s methods will fit into the current squad dynamics.
Tottenham struggled to play from the back under Igor Tudor (Action Images via Reuters)
If De Zerbi adheres to his tactical philosophy, the transition may not be seamless—an outcome Spurs can ill afford. His winless start in his first five games at Brighton further adds to the uncertainty; should he replicate that in North London, relegation would be virtually assured.
Moreover, there’s a significant issue linked to this appointment.
Just weeks after joining Marseille following his departure from Brighton in the summer of 2024, Mason Greenwood joined the French club. Greenwood had been charged in October 2022 with attempted rape, controlling behavior, and actual bodily harm stemming from allegations involving a young woman.
Mason Greenwood was charged in October 2022 with attempted rape and assault (AFP via Getty)
Although the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges in February 2023 due to the withdrawal of key witnesses and no realistic prospect of conviction, Manchester United faced significant backlash for their handling of Greenwood’s potential return that summer, ultimately leading to his effective exile from English football.
De Zerbi was known to have advocated strongly for Marseille to sign Greenwood despite his legal issues. Greenwood finished the 2024/25 season as the club’s top scorer, netting 21 league goals, and De Zerbi has publicly expressed his steadfast support for him.
De Zerbi has been vocal in his support for Greenwood (AP)
In November, De Zerbi referred to Greenwood as a “good guy” who has faced a “heavy price” and lamented the mischaracterization of him, stating: “It saddens me what happened in his life, because I know a totally different person than the one who was described.”
This has prompted numerous Tottenham fan groups to voice their concerns regarding De Zerbi’s appointment. Both the club’s LGBTQI+ group, Proud Lilywhites, and Spurs Reach underscored that progress shouldn’t come at the expense of “the values the club claims to represent.” The Women of the Lane group boldly asserted that, “This is not an appointment Tottenham Hotspur should be making.”
Tottenham’s previous gamble with Tudor ended disastrously, but one silver lining was the unified front of the fans in expressing dissatisfaction. This was exemplified by the passionate welcome given to their team bus ahead of the crucial Nottingham Forest match, a bracing contrast to the eventual 3-0 defeat that followed.
However, De Zerbi risks further fracturing this already divided fanbase at a critical juncture. The response to the Proud Lilywhites’ statement on social media reveals a mix of support and opposition from fans who do not agree with the group’s stance.
With seven crucial matches left to salvage their season—four of which are at home, where they are yet to win in the league since December—the need for a united fanbase is essential for avoiding disaster.
Tottenham need the fans united for a successful survival campaign (Getty)
Additionally, there’s the concern that unlike potential candidates like Ryan Mason or Harry Redknapp, who are familiar with the club, De Zerbi may not be committed if the situation deteriorates. The Independent reports that he stands to gain a substantial bonus for keeping Spurs in the Premier League, yet there is no relegation clause in his five-year contract. Tudor was a stopgap solution that backfired; De Zerbi is seen as a long-term option, drawn in by the club’s “ambition for the future.”
If Tottenham can avoid relegation, the ninth richest club worldwide could rebound from this challenging period. However, a slip into the Championship could leave them without a manager, in disarray, and with a disjointed fanbase, undermining their long-term aspirations.