Ben Jacobs has revealed the latest update on Roberto De Zerbi’s future at Tottenham Hotspur after a poor start to the new Premier League season.
talking about GiveMeSport’s Market Madness PodcastThe veteran football journalist clarified the Italian’s stance as the pressure mounts in north London.
Ben Jacobs reveals Spurs’ behind-the-scenes plans for Roberto De Zerbi
Addressing the growing scrutiny over De Zerbi, Jacobs confirmed the club’s hierarchy remain calm behind the scenes, viewing the manager as a central part of their long-term project.
“Roberto De Zerbi joins a long-term project and my feeling about Tottenham is that there’s not really the sporting infrastructure in place to make the decision,” Jacobs said.
“If results like this continue, all these well-run clubs have to think about a succession plan. I’m not looking forward to a sudden departure during the international break, but he will know that results need to improve quickly.”
Jacobs further pointed out that Tottenham’s current focus is on filling key executive positions.
“Behind the scenes at Tottenham they have been relatively quiet and I am still told that their intention is to explore whether there is a need for another sporting official, a joint sporting director or some form of senior management. Perhaps it is only after they find the name in any capacity that they will begin to understand whether Roberto De Zerbi needs to be assessed.”
Bad start despite extensive summer overhaul
| Premier League Statistics | tottenham hotspur record |
| Match played | 5 |
| Win/Draw/Loss | 0 wins/2 draws/3 losses |
| Number of goals scored/number of goals conceded | 2 goals/8 goals conceded |
| summer transfer spend | Over £300m (10 newcomers) |
Despite spending more than £300 million on 10 new signings, Tottenham have made a shocking start to the new season.
De Zerbi’s side are bottom of the table and have taken just two points from their opening five games, most recently losing 3-2 at home to Aston Villa.
They also lost 3-1 to Liverpool and missed out on the League Cup.
While the Italian tactician admits integration will take time, results will be needed quickly when Spurs return from the international break against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
De Zerbi has the ability to turn his fortunes around and the Italian insists it is only a matter of time before Spurs start scoring goals and winning games.
Unai Emery has also backed the former Brighton boss to succeed at Tottenham, predicting they will finish in the top four by the end of the season.