Jamie O’Hara sets three early demands for Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham, including Xavi Simons plan
Jamie O’Hara has outlined what he believes Roberto De Zerbi must address immediately at Tottenham Hotspur in order to avoid relegation.
Roberto De Zerbi faces a significant task as he steps into the Tottenham Hotspur dugout during a turbulent period for the north London club, with the north London club battling to retain their Premier League status this season.
It is clear that his appointment is not for the short term, but the long term is firmly in mind, with Tottenham handing him a lucrative five-year deal.
De Zerbi, however, will be hoping that most of his time in north London will be in the Premier League, making this season’s relegation battle all the more crucial.
There is no time to waste, and the former Brighton manager has begun work with his Tottenham squad ahead of their first of seven finals this season.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi: Jamie O’Hara outlines key priorities
Jamie O’Hara, who urged Spurs to splash the cash to bring Roberto De Zerbi to the club, has now opened up on three things the new Tottenham manager must do.
He began by stressing the need for clarity in system and consistency in selection, particularly after frequent changes under Igor Tudor, as he told Sky Sports:
“He’s got to do things quickly, and I think first and foremost as a manager, he’s got to come in, get the formation right, stick to a formation, do not change it.
“I will do 4-2-3-1, so that will be my first thing. Do not change the formation, there have been too many times, Igor Tudor 3-4-3, 4-4-2, you know, all over the place. Players confused, do not know what they are doing. So that would be the first thing.”
He then pointed to the need to get the best out of Xavi Simons, who has struggled for consistency since his big-money move to Tottenham in the summer window.
Simons’ poor form this campaign has drawn criticism from Dutch legends, who believe he has been underwhelming and must step up as he progresses in his career.
O’Hara now believes De Zerbi must focus on unlocking the Dutchman’s quality, adding: “Get the best out of Xavi Simons, you spent 60 million pounds on him, he’s a top player, he can play, he can make the difference, he’s someone who will rise to the occasion if you give him the confidence to do it.”
Spurs leadership group key for Roberto De Zerbi impact
O’Hara also highlighted the importance of strong leadership within the squad, urging De Zerbi to quickly get senior players on side.
Explaining his final point about the Tottenham leadership group and their role in driving standards, he said:
“And then the third thing I will do is get hold of the leadership group. Whoever that is, whether it’s Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, James Maddison, the guys in there, the experienced players, the internationals, get them on side early and say are you up for the fight, are you in this, I need you onside because we have seen too many times the players have capitulated like against Nottingham Forest, heads go down.
“You’ve got to give them belief, give them the confidence to go out there and know that they are good players because some of them are top players.”
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