New Tottenham Hotspur boss De Zerbi is focusing on surviving the Premier League with attacking football

Roberto De Zerbi called on Tottenham Hotspur to embrace his attacking instincts as he battles to save the club from its first relegation since 1977. He declared on Friday that the club’s ‘DNA’ is to attack and score goals.

After being appointed as Spurs’ third manager of the season, the former Brighton & Hove Albion boss has seven games to guide the north London side to safety and he acknowledged the urgency of the task.

Tottenham have not won a Premier League game in 2026, while they have scored just 40 league goals this season, which equates to a negative goal difference (-10).

«I have no time for principles or structure, I want to provide organization with the ball and without the ball,» De Zerbi told reporters ahead of his first game in charge, away at Sunderland on Sunday.

«What I want to do and what I want to achieve is the character. The right spirit and courage to play and attack. The DNA of this club and team is to find the goal, to score. In this part I can convey my principles, he added.»

The Italian manager had vowed to remain in charge next season regardless of results, describing the role as the biggest challenge of his career after signing a long-term contract.

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Tottenham plummeted in the standings, first under Thomas Frank and then under interim boss Igor Tudor, with the club sitting in 17th place – one point above the relegation zone.

«I believe it should be clear to everyone to keep Spurs in the Premier League because I want to work in the Premier League. I think I deserve to work in the Premier League,» De Zerbi said.

«Anyway, if I sign my contract in April, I have to be ready to stay next season no matter what. I want to stay focused on Sunderland and the other six games. But my idea is very clear,» he added.

However, he suffered a blow when striker Mohammed Kudus suffered a setback in his recovery from a quad injury, meaning the Ghanaian international was also in danger of missing the World Cup.

«I started with not much luck. Kudus was a crucial player in my mind. But we have to look ahead anyway. We have a lot of very good attackers and we have to help them show their qualities,» De Zerbi said.

«(Randal) Kolo Muani is not having a great season, but he is a good player. Mathys Tel, I wanted him in (Olympique de) Marseille. Xavi Simons is a great talent. Richarlison and (Dominic) Solanke, you know better than me. We have to get them in the best condition,» he concluded.

Published on April 10, 2026