‘Certainly Not In The Same Class’ – Richard Keys Questions Roberto De Zerbi Appointment
Richard Keys has delivered a scathing assessment of the decision by Tottenham Hotspur to appoint Roberto De Zerbi, questioning the credentials of the Italian for the role.
The former Brighton head coach was confirmed as the new manager at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday, signing a five-year contract to replace Igor Tudor.
De Zerbi arrives in north London with the immediate task of securing the club’s Premier League status, with Tottenham currently occupying a position just one point above the relegation zone.
He has been advised by one former Tottenham star to put the focus firmly on organisation and getting the best out of Xavi Simons first.
The 46-year-old established a strong reputation during his two-year spell at Brighton, leading the Seagulls to European qualification for the first time in their history.
However, Keys remains unconvinced by the appointment and suggested that De Zerbi is fortunate to have landed such a high-profile position, given that his recent tenure at Marseille ended abruptly in February following a disappointing early exit from the Champions League and a humiliating 5-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.
The broadcaster argued that Brighton have actually improved since Fabian Hurzeler took over, implying that the job De Zerbi did was not as impressive as many have suggested.
Keys further compared the new manager to Antonio Conte, noting that even a manager of such elite calibre, who has won league titles in both England and Italy, could not succeed at Tottenham.
He highlighted that a manager with fewer major honours should not be expected to thrive where those of world-class standing have previously struggled to make an impact.
Keys wrote on X: “I think De Zerbi is a very lucky boy.
“I am not sure what he has done to land the Spurs job.
“Hurzeler has made Brighton better.
“He is certainly not in the same class as Conte who, as we know, has already had the Spurs job and failed.
“So what qualifies him?”
Concerns have also been echoed by former Marseille star Frank Leboeuf, who warned that the Italian may not possess the authoritative presence required to drag the team clear of a relegation fight.
De Zerbi will now look to prove his doubters wrong as he aims to identify key areas for improvement before his first match against Sunderland on 12th April.
With the club yet to record a single league victory this calendar year, the 46-year-old has just seven games remaining to turn their fortunes around and navigate a daunting run of fixtures, including a crucial meeting with Chelsea on 17th May, to secure the points required for Premier League survival.
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