Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has emphasized that his decision to stay with the club next season will be determined by his relationship with the board, rather than the team's league status. Following his first defeat as manager, a 1-0 loss to Sunderland, De Zerbi's side is currently in the bottom three, two points from safety with six games remaining.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding relegation, De Zerbi has reassured fans that he will not let the league dictate his future. In an interview with Sky Sports, he stated, "The problem is not the league.
The problem is to keep the relationship with the board and to have the same ideas in the project." De Zerbi's ambition and conviction in the team's potential are evident, but he acknowledges that avoiding relegation is a significant 'if.' With six games left to play, the summer transfer window will be crucial in determining the team's future, regardless of whether they stay up or go down. De Zerbi is confident that if the team avoids relegation, they will be competing among the Premier League's elite next season. However, he stressed the importance of having a unified squad and board, saying, "Everyone on the same page." The manager took the squad out for dinner to foster a sense of unity and admitted that he needs to focus on getting to know his players better.
De Zerbi also expressed his desire for players with personality and character, stating, "We need players with personality and character. Otherwise, they don't play with me." With captain Romero out for the season, De Zerbi believes that several players can step up and become leaders in different ways.
He cited Micky van de Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Palhinha as potential leaders, and expressed his desire for Dominic Solanke to become stronger as a personality and character on the pitch. As the team prepares to face Brighton on Saturday, De Zerbi's comments have raised questions about the squad's experience and leadership. With one of the youngest squads in the Premier League, Tottenham's chances of survival may depend on the emergence of young leaders.