Paul Merson believes that Tottenham’s decision to hire Roberto De Zerbi will be the best investment the club has ever made, provided they stay in the Premier League.
However, he cautions that there might be concerns about whether the current Spurs squad can adapt to the Italian manager’s playing style.
Discussions are ongoing between Tottenham and De Zerbi regarding the head coach position as they strive to avoid relegation. Currently, Spurs are just one point above the relegation zone with seven matches remaining, and they want the former Brighton manager to take over permanently following Igor Tudor’s departure last Sunday, offering him a five-year deal.
Initially hesitant, De Zerbi is now willing to consider the role, and Spurs are intensifying their efforts to secure his services, with talks taking place on Monday.
The 46-year-old was among the top candidates for the Spurs job this summer, but the urgency of the situation has accelerated their interest.
‘De Zerbi will be the best money Spurs have spent if they stay up’
Merson initially felt confident that Tottenham would remain in the Premier League, but the recent 3-0 loss at home to Nottingham Forest changed his outlook. He notes that securing De Zerbi, a top-tier manager, highlights Tottenham’s stature, which gives them a renewed fighting chance.
‘Have Spurs got time to play the De Zerbi way?’
While recognizing De Zerbi’s capabilities, Merson points out that his tactical approach demands significant adaptation from the players. Spurs may struggle to implement De Zerbi’s philosophy given their current low morale, suggesting it requires a shift that may not be feasible with so few games left to save their season.
If Spurs get relegated, you can’t blame De Zerbi
Merson argues that if Tottenham gets relegated, the blame should not fall on De Zerbi, given that many players may not return for the next season. With seven challenging matches to go, he believes the club’s leadership, not just the manager, should share responsibility for the team’s performance.
