Roberto De Zerbi
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Roberto De Zerbi has taken on the role of head coach at Tottenham Hotspur, a decision that Alan Shearer considers a significant gamble. The former England striker and current pundit shared his thoughts on the appointment, emphasizing the high stakes involved as De Zerbi aims to maintain Tottenham’s Premier League status.
Alan Shearer said: “Look, Roberto De Zerbi could have written his own contract, really. I mean, he probably has done. He’s probably written his own deal. I wouldn’t look into the five-year thing, because you don’t know what clauses are in there. If you get sacked, then you might only get 12-months pay, if you’re lucky. But I guess it’s a gamble from his point of view because he doesn’t want to manage in the Championship, and there’s every chance that he could be. He’s backed himself for the last seven games of the season to make a difference. But I would say he knows the league, he’s got a certain style of play, whether he can implement that in between now and the end of the season, we’ll have to wait and see.”
Alan Shearer continued: “We’ve all been saying that Spurs are too good to go down. Well, let’s see if he can get a turn around with the players, because I don’t think it matters how good you are in terms of ability, I think mentally is the most important thing. And up to now, they haven’t been able to handle that. Can he get a little bit of belief into the players in that squad in between now and the end of the season? That’s the biggest thing, because confidence-wise, it is the most important thing, and trying to make them believe that, that he can get something out of them.”
Alan Shearer added: “Whoever they were going to appoint, they were going be taking a risk, but they’ve put their cards on the table and said, you’re our man, five-year deal, good or bad, you’re with us. It’s definitely a big gamble, but it would have been whoever they appointed because of the precarious position they’re in. Roberto De Zerbi has a history of doing it his own way. You have to do that as a manager, and he hasn’t been at clubs for that long. That’s why I wouldn’t read too much into the five-year contract. All that matters for Spurs now is just to stay in the Premier League, and then they can go again next season. I think he will just about keep them up.”
De Zerbi’s appointment comes amid a turbulent period for Tottenham, who have cycled through multiple head coaches in recent months. The Italian manager’s task is clear: to steer the club away from relegation danger and secure their Premier League status as they approach the season’s final matches. With Tottenham potentially finding themselves in the relegation zone before their next game against Sunderland, the pressure is on De Zerbi to inspire a turnaround.
Shearer’s insights highlight the mental challenges facing the squad, suggesting that instilling confidence and belief will be crucial for De Zerbi’s success. As Tottenham’s fourth head coach in nine months, De Zerbi’s ability to adapt and implement his style swiftly will be vital in navigating this high-stakes scenario.
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