Tottenham supervisor Roberto de Zerbi says he is “not better” than predecessors Thomas Frank or Igor Tudor as he prepares to take cost of his first recreation on the Premier League strugglers.
Sunderland shall be Spurs’ first opponents beneath the Italian, who was appointed on 31 March with the membership one level outdoors the relegation zone with seven video games remaining.
De Zerbi is Tottenham‘s third supervisor of the season after Frank and Tudor – the latter only lasting 44 days and 7 matches within the position.
“I am proud and happy to be here and I have to say thank you to Vinai [Venkatesham] and Johan [Lange] because they showed me a big, big confidence,” stated De Zerbi on Friday.
“I’m sure about the level of the players because I was very, very close to bringing many of these players to my former teams in the past.
“I believe I’m not higher than Frank or Tudor as a result of I contemplate them excellent coaches.
“I try to bring my style, my character, my personality and my strengths to achieve our target, which is the most important part now.”
Tottenham haven’t gained a home league recreation in 2026 and solely two since 26 October 2025.
They have been additionally knocked out of the Champions League within the final 16 by Atletico Madrid 7-5 on aggregate.
Since 1950, Spurs have solely spent one season outdoors the highest flight, which was again in 1977-78.
“For me, it was a giant alternative as a result of Tottenham are an important membership within the Premier League and the Premier League is the very best league on the planet,” stated De Zerbi, who beforehand managed Brighton between 2022 and 2024.
“I love the qualities of the players and the crucial part that there was 12 days before the first game and for me it was important to have more than one week. I thought it would be important to understand the problems.
“The message for my workers and gamers is that now we have to deserve the assist as a result of the followers are struggling like us. But for the followers, there is only one membership. The gamers can change however for the followers, their membership is distinctive.
“We have to make them happy with the right spirit and the right behaviour on the pitch. Then it’s easier to make points.”
Tottenham journey to the Stadium of Light to face Eleventh-placed Sunderland on Sunday (14:00 BST kick-off).
