New Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi says he is “not better” than predecessors Thomas Frank or Igor Tudor as he prepares to take charge of his first Premier League match in charge of the London side.
Spurs travel to face Sunderland on Sunday in a crucial relegation battle, with the Italian appointed on 31 March after the club slipped to one point above the drop zone with seven matches left.
Naija News reports that De Zerbi is Tottenham’s third manager of the season, following Frank and Tudor, who lasted only 44 days and seven games in charge.
“I am proud and happy to be here and I have to say thank you to Vinai [Venkatesham] and Johan [Lange] because they showed me a big, big confidence,” he said.
“I think I am not better than Frank or Tudor because I consider them very good coaches. I try to bring my style, my character, my personality and my strengths to achieve our target, which is the most important part now.”
Tottenham have not won a domestic league match in 2026 and have managed only two victories since October. Their European campaign also ended in the last 16 after a 7-5 aggregate defeat to Atletico Madrid.
Since 1950, Tottenham have spent only one season outside the top flight.
“For me, it was a big opportunity because Tottenham are a very important club in the Premier League and the Premier League is the best league in the world,” said De Zerbi, who previously managed Brighton & Hove Albion and Olympique de Marseille.
“The message for my staff and players is that we have to deserve the support because the fans are suffering like us. We have to make them happy with the right spirit and the right behaviour on the pitch.”
Tottenham’s campaign has been disrupted by injuries to key players including Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, while striker Dominic Solanke has only recently returned from an ankle problem. Xavi Simons has also struggled with fitness.
Summer signing Mohammed Kudus faces a possible operation on a thigh injury and is unlikely to play again this season.
“Kudus was in my head a crucial player, especially for the position but we have to look forward,” De Zerbi said.
He added that attackers including Randal Kolo Muani, Mathys Tel and Richarlison must now step up.
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will miss the trip to the Stadium of Light after hernia surgery, while Rodrigo Bentancur is still regaining full fitness.
Despite the immediate survival fight, De Zerbi said he hopes to stay in north London long term.
“In my plan, the idea is to stay for a long time. I’m not speaking about titles because it’s not the right moment now, but to help Tottenham stay in the Premier League,” he said.
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