Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has stated that his decision to stay at the club next season will be based on his relationship with the board, rather than the team's league status. Following a 1-0 loss to Sunderland in his first game, Spurs are currently in the bottom three, two points from safety with six games remaining.
De Zerbi reassured fans that relegation will not determine his future, emphasizing the importance of a unified vision with the board. He said, "The problem is not the league, it's about maintaining a strong relationship with the board and sharing the same project ideas." De Zerbi's conviction is that Spurs can return to the Premier League's top six next season if they avoid relegation. However, with six games left, this is a significant 'if.' The summer transfer window will be crucial in testing the board's support for De Zerbi, whether through significant spending on players for promotion or European qualification.
De Zerbi is confident that if Spurs stay up, they will be competitive among the Premier League's elite next season. He has no doubt about the club's potential but is aware of the challenges ahead. De Zerbi's first home game in charge of Spurs is against his former club Brighton, and a victory would temporarily take them out of the relegation zone.
To unite the squad, De Zerbi took the players out for dinner, acknowledging that he needs to focus on getting to know them better rather than analyzing the season's problems. He emphasized the importance of creating a good atmosphere and relationship with the players, stating that the team needs players with personality and character. With captain Romero out for the season, De Zerbi believes several players can step up as leaders in different ways. He mentioned Micky van de Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Palhinha as potential leaders, and wants Dominic Solanke to become stronger as a personality and character on the pitch.
Analysis suggests that Tottenham's young squad lacks experienced heads to help navigate challenging situations, and it remains to be seen who will take on a leadership role in the remaining games.