Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear that his tenure at Tottenham Hotspur hinges on a unified vision with the club’s hierarchy rather than the division in which the team ultimately competes. In his inaugural interview after committing to a five‑year deal, the Italian manager declared that he intends to remain the Spurs coach regardless of whether the side stays in the Premier League or drops to the Championship.
This stance comes after a disappointing start to the campaign, highlighted by a 1‑0 defeat at Sunderland that left Tottenham languishing in the bottom three, two points shy of safety with six matches remaining, and still the only Premier League side yet to register a win in the 2026 calendar year. During an exclusive conversation with Sky Sports, De Zerbi reassured supporters that the prospect of relegation would not dictate his future at the club. When asked directly if he would still be in charge next season even if Spurs were relegated, he replied, “The problem isn’t the league.
The problem is maintaining a strong relationship with the board and sharing the same ideas about the project.” He emphasized that alignment among everyone involved with the club – from executives to coaching staff to players – is the critical factor for him, not the tier in which the team plays. De Zerbi’s philosophy mirrors the approach he applied at previous appointments, such as Marseille and Brighton, where he insisted on total commitment from both himself and the organization. He believes that only when the club backs him fully can he deliver his brand of football, which blends tactical discipline with an attacking mindset. This principle will be tested in the upcoming summer transfer window, a period that could involve a substantial overhaul of the squad regardless of the season’s final outcome.
Whether the board opts to invest heavily in promotion‑focused signings or in players capable of competing for European places, De Zerbi expects clear support. The manager is confident that, should Tottenham avoid the drop, they will be contenders for a top‑six finish next season. He repeatedly highlighted the club’s latent potential, noting that the “big ‘if’” remains whether they can stay up. In his view, the answer lies in a cohesive strategy, shared ambition, and a unified front between the coaching staff and the board.
Ahead of his first home game in charge – a clash against his former side Brighton – De Zerbi took steps to foster team spirit, taking the squad out for dinner and admitting that his priority is to get to know the players better rather than dissect the reasons behind the current struggles. He told the press conference, “We have no time to lose.
We must focus on the next match, not dwell on the problems of the past.” He also stressed the importance of building a positive atmosphere, stating that while individual talent is essential, the collective spirit and relationships among the players are equally vital. With captain Cristian Romero sidelined for the rest of the season, Tottenham’s already youthful roster loses a key figure on the pitch. De Zerbi acknowledged that deciding the new armband holder is secondary to the broader challenge of finding leadership within the group.
He identified several players who could assume responsibility in different ways, describing a variety of leadership styles: vocal leaders in the dressing room, on‑field leaders who guide through play, and those who step up in pressure moments. He singled out Micky van de Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Palhinha as examples of emerging leaders, while also expressing confidence in Dominic Solanke’s ability to develop both his character and his influence as one of the league’s promising strikers.
Young talent Xavi Simons, he noted, already shows leadership through his composure with the ball, but the team still needs a broader base of personalities and character. Analysts have pointed out that Tottenham’s squad is among the youngest in the Premier League this season, which compounds the difficulty of navigating a relegation battle. The absence of seasoned figures like Romero, James Maddison, and the uncertain return dates of Dejan Kulusevski and Ben Davies leave a void in experience and calm.
De Zerbi’s task, therefore, is to accelerate the development of leadership among the younger cohort, urging players to embrace responsibility and fight for survival. The upcoming six fixtures will serve as a decisive test. A win against Brighton could lift Spurs out of the relegation zone, at least temporarily, before they face West Ham and Crystal Palace in the following weeks.
De Zerbi has stressed that the immediate focus must be on each individual game, emphasizing preparation, confidence, and a collective belief that they can turn the tide. In summary, Roberto De Zerbi’s future at Tottenham is not contingent on the club’s league status but on a harmonious partnership with the board and a shared vision for the project.
He seeks unwavering support in the transfer market, a clear strategic direction, and a united front across all levels of the organization. Whether the team remains in the Premier League or drops to the Championship, De Zerbi insists that his commitment will endure provided these conditions are met, and he will continue to work tirelessly to restore Tottenham to a position among England’s elite clubs.