Tottenham Hotspur’s attitude could see them relegated. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but there are deep issues with the team’s confidence and ability to overcome adversity on the field.
It was a tough call to part ways with interim manager Igor Tudor, but he may have been the right one, with the Croatian only picking up a point against Liverpool at Anfield during his 44 days in charge.
Apart from that, the 47-year-old player lost four times in the Premier League, and last week’s London defeat by their rivals Nottingham Forest proved this critical moment.
Tottenham are only one point above the relegation zone, while Forest and West Ham United have made late advances. The ENIC team needs to choose their next coach wisely.
Who are Spurs thinking of replacing Tudor?
There may be a pragmatic sense to it, but there is a lot of sense in the interim appointment of Sean Dyche, who managed Nottingham Forest before being sacked at the start of 2026.
However, if Tottenham want to flip the coin and choose a different kind of track, they could hit the jackpot with one of football’s sharpest brains.
According to Football Insider, Tottenham are looking to sign Roberto De Zerbi as soon as possible, although the Italian coach is holding out for the end of the season before choosing his next team.
Manchester United are also interested, but Michael Carrick’s good work there means De Zerbi may not get the nod.
Those allegations have been confirmed by many, including talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook who revealed that “attempts have been made this week” to try and get De Zerbi in.
If ENIC present him with a compelling offer, he can be sure to take over now, proving himself a hero as he steers Tottenham away from danger.
Why De Zerbi would be the right choice for Spurs
It’s hard to decide who is really the frontrunner for Tottenham’s vacant job at the moment. Of course, Dyche is available and would jump at the chance to manage the Londoners. His knowledge of the warring sides fighting for relegation added value to ENIC’s interest.
But the players of the first team of Tottenham have lost all parts of self-confidence, and De Zerbi is not just a “genius” of analytical brain, as respected by journalist Dean Jones, but a manager who accepts his players as his family, creating strong bonds.
In addition, the Italian uses a 4-2-3-1 formation, suggesting that he could provide a semblance of tactical familiarity for Tottenham over the next few weeks. Dyche, of course, is not an avant-garde coach, but his methodical, methodical approach will not give the players confidence.
They need someone like De Zerbi, who is larger than life and whose possession-based style is more like Ange Postecoglou’s high-octane football than Thomas Frank’s efficient product.
Whether Tottenham decide to take the risky road and sign De Zerbi remains to be seen, but he could inspire confidence and be the right man to make a change from last season. There’s a reason he’s been hailed as “one of the best managers in the world” by Arne Slot.
|
Dyche vs De Zerbi – Premier League record |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Dyche |
# |
De Zerbi |
|
350 |
The same |
70 |
|
99 |
It wins |
26 |
|
95 |
Drawings |
19 |
|
156 |
Loss |
25 |
|
392 |
Points |
97 |
|
1.12 |
PPM |
1.39 |
His time at Brighton & Hove Albion was a success, helping to steer the Seagulls away from their status as regular relegation fodder and instead challenge for the highest places.
Praised by Pep Guardiola for his “unique” style, De Zerbi could be Tottenham’s best player. He has his faults, sure, but this is a strong character who will make no excuses for these struggling players.
Leadership. Experience. Style. De Zerbi got the lot, while Dyche, from Tottenham’s point of view, counts in comparison.
Simons will love him: Spurs hold talks to sign big man Sean Dyche
Tottenham Hotspur have a big call to make in the management position in the coming days.
