Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has shed light on his unexpected decision to bring only two new members into his backroom staff, rather than the larger team he typically assembles.
The north London side are currently battling relegation, sitting 17th in the table—just one point above West Ham United in 18th. With their Premier League status under serious threat, Spurs turned to De Zerbi in a bid to steer them to safety.
Despite concerns raised by a former top-flight player over the Italian’s temperament, the responsibility now firmly rests on him to deliver results. Meanwhile, ex-Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara has urged the 46-year-old to prioritise structure and organisation to guide the team through the crisis.
Instead of his usual six- or seven-man coaching setup, De Zerbi has opted for a leaner approach, appointing only Marcattilio Marcattilii and Marcello Quinto to his staff for the remainder of the season.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion boss explained that time constraints played a major role in his decision. He stressed that introducing too many new voices and complex ideas at this stage could overwhelm the squad.
Speaking in a press conference, De Zerbi said the situation differs greatly from his previous roles, where he had more time to implement his philosophy. He emphasised the need for simplicity—clear tactical plans, minimal instructions, and a focus on instinctive play.
He also called on his players to show bravery, character, and determination, insisting they must fight for pride and display the right spirit on the pitch.
Meanwhile, one former Spurs legend has defended De Zerbi against criticism, expressing hope that he can eventually restore the club to the levels they reached under Mauricio Pochettino.
Next up, Tottenham travel to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland on Sunday, where all eyes will be on whether De Zerbi’s approach can finally deliver Spurs’ first league win of 2026.