Home ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE EPL FOOTBALL De Zerbi's Spurs Revival: Can He Fix North London's Problems?

De Zerbi's Spurs Revival: Can He Fix North London's Problems?

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Roberto De Zerbi
De Zerbi's Spurs gamble, high-risk, high-reward football

Could Roberto De Zerbi's attacking philosophy be the answer to Spurs' troubles? Dive into his tactics and what to expect from the potential new manager.


“He creates 20 or 25 chances per game, better by far than most opponents...”


Roberto De Zerbi is likely to be announced as Tottenham Hotspur's new manager, and fans are expecting a mix of excitement and concern. De Zerbi, known for his high-octane, possession-based style, has been offered a five-year deal and is expected to take the reins immediately. His first task will be to prevent Tottenham's relegation to the Championship, as they're currently 17th in the Premier League with just seven games left.


De Zerbi's appointment is seen as a gamble, given the club's dire situation. He's known for being volatile and demanding, which may or may not work with the current squad. Some fans are concerned about his temperament and ability to work with the board, while others see him as a top-quality manager who can galvanize the team.


What to Expect from De Zerbi:

  • A high-intensity, attacking style of play
  • Emphasis on possession and building from the back
  • Demanding and intense training sessions
  • Potential clashes with players and the board


De Zerbi's track record suggests he can turn teams around, but it's unclear if he'll have enough time to make an impact at Tottenham. His previous appointments have been marked by both success and controversy.



De Zerbi's Challenge: 7 Games to Save Spurs

De Zerbi's tough road ahead: Spurs face Sunderland, Brighton, Wolves, Villa, Leeds, Chelsea, and Everton in final 7 games.


Spurs could find themselves in the bottom three before their first game against Sunderland, as West Ham (who are currently third from bottom) play Wolves earlier than the Spurs game. If the East Londoners win, they'll leapfrog Tottenham, at least temporarily.


The potential choice of De Zerbi is interesting, partly because of the entertainment value his sides bring. Known for his attacking style, De Zerbi's teams often play exciting, high-intensity football.


Guardiola Impressed with De Zerbi: A Boost for Spurs Fans?

Even Pep Guardiola gave De Zerbi his blessing back in 2023 when he said: “There is no team playing the way they (Brighton) play - it's unique. I had the feeling when he arrived, the impact he would have in the Premier League would be great - I didn't expect him to do it in this short space of time.


“He creates 20 or 25 chances per game, better by far than most opponents. He monopolises the ball in a way it hasn't been for a long time. They deserve completely the success they have.”


Guardiola's praise is huge, but let's not forget Ange Postecoglou's approach wasn't that different. If he hadn't been hit with so many injuries in his second season, he might still be running the show at Spurs.


De Zerbi's Defensive Dilemma: Ditching the Back Three?

One area that De Zerbi may need to address is his preferred back three, as that was shown to clearly not work under Igor Tudor.


Maybe Tudor's personality didn't exactly help, but let's not forget Antonio Conte's infamous rant about Spurs players not wanting to play under pressure and basically wanting things easy.


Changing the 'Spursy' mindset that's seemingly ingrained in the club will be a huge challenge for De Zerbi. Ange Postecoglou hinted at this issue in recent podcast appearances, suggesting it's a deep-seated problem that goes beyond just the players.


De Zerbi's task is daunting, especially with the team currently 17th in the Premier League and facing relegation. His appointment has sparked debate among fans, with some questioning whether he's the right fit for the club's culture and values.


Some of the concerns revolve around De Zerbi's volatile personality and whether he'll be able to work effectively with the players and the board. Others are worried about his tactics and whether they'll suit the current squad..


Igor Tudor's personality might have contributed to his short stint at Spurs, but let's not forget Antonio Conte's explosive rant about the players lacking grit and wanting things easy. Conte slammed the players, saying they don't want to play under pressure and are used to taking it easy.


And let's not forget De Zerbi's gonna be working with a depleted squad - James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, and Yves Bissouma are all out, while Mo Kudus, Ben Davies, Guglielmo Vicario, Mathys Tel, and Rodrigo Bentancur won't be back till at least mid-April.


Will De Zerbi's Attacking Flair Be Enough to Save Spurs?

Given the injuries and squad limitations, will De Zerbi prioritize a disciplined approach to grind out wins, or will his natural instinct for all-out attack take over? His teams are known for their high-intensity, possession-based style, but can he adapt to the demands of the Premier League's bottom-of-the-table scrap?


De Zerbi's teams are known for their possession-based style, focusing on building from the back. It's a high-intensity, attacking approach that's entertaining but can be vulnerable at times. Whether it works in the Premier League's relegation battle remains to be seen.


Spurs' defenders need to up their game, especially when it comes to ball control. The Atletico Madrid game was a prime example of their struggles in this area. It's likely that De Zerbi might ditch the back three formation early on, given the team's recent performances.


De Zerbi's teams are known for their possession-based style, focusing on building from the back. To make this work, the defenders will need to be more comfortable on the ball. This could be a challenge, but also an opportunity for players like Micky van de Ven, Cuti Romero, and Kevin Danso to step up.


A possible solution could be to switch to a back four, with Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro operating as wing-backs. This would provide more width and support to the midfield, while also allowing the centre-backs to focus on their defensive duties.


De Zerbi's time at Shakhtar Donetsk saw him use a 4-2-3-1 formation and occasionally a 4-3-3. Given Spurs' current situation, the 4-2-3-1 might be a better fit, allowing for a double pivot to shield the back four and facilitate build-up play from the back.


The double pivot would give De Zerbi more control over the midfield, enabling his team to retain possession and overload certain areas of the pitch. This could be crucial in creating scoring opportunities and relieving pressure on the defence.


With a 4-2-3-1, De Zerbi could also exploit the width provided by the wing-backs, using them to support both the midfield and the attack. This formation would allow him to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair.



Porro and Spence: Key to Spurs' Width and Possession Game

Porro and Djed Spence would be crucial in De Zerbi's plans, providing width and a platform for the team to build attacks from. Their ability to draw opposition pressure and create space would be vital in implementing De Zerbi's possession-based style.


Van de Ven and Romero could play a bit higher up the pitch, given De Zerbi's love for goalkeepers who are comfortable with the ball at their feet. This would allow Vicario (or whoever is in goal) to act as a sweeper-keeper, playing out from the back and starting attacks.


This style relies on Spurs' players being totally synced up, with the wingers needing to be super alert – high and wide, but not too far forward that they lose possession. It's a high-risk, high-reward approach that needs everyone to be on the same wavelength.


By simplifying roles, De Zerbi's team would look to move as units, with strikers making coordinated runs and the ball flowing quickly from back to front. It's a style that's not only effective but also entertaining, making for some exciting football.


Keeping the ball on the floor and high pressing are must-haves for De Zerbi's style to click. It's a demanding approach that needs the players to be totally committed and confident.


If De Zerbi gets the nod, Spurs fans will be watching closely to see if the players adapt to his vision. It'll be a test of whether the management or the squad was holding them back this season.





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