Five things we want to hear from Roberto De Zerbi's first Tottenham presser - Opinion
Roberto De Zerbi’s first press conference as Tottenham Hotspur manager is set to offer further insight into his plans, with several key topics expected to dominate proceedings. Here are the five questions we expect to get answers to.
Tottenham Hotspur fans are slowly getting a feel for what life under Roberto De Zerbi could be like, with the club sharing behind-the-scenes footage in recent weeks.
We got a glimpse into De Zerbi’s first training session as Tottenham boss, where the former Brighton manager looked to place much emphasis on one-touch and two-touch football as he works to implement a possession-based style of play.
De Zerbi has also since given his first interview as Spurs manager, providing fans with insight into what they can expect from his time in north London.
The new boss’ next agenda will be to face journalists from the media, who could well press him with further questions, and we have now highlighted some we would love to hear answers to.
Roberto De Zerbi should be pressed further on Greenwood comments
De Zerbi’s appointment as Tottenham manager was not universally welcomed, largely due to his past comments on Mason Greenwood during his time at Olympique de Marseille.
The club ensured those remarks were addressed, with the Italian issuing an apology and making it clear he does not tolerate abuse of any kind.
That represents a positive first step in winning over sections of the fanbase, particularly after backlash from three supporters’ groups who opposed his appointment.
However, the issue is unlikely to disappear entirely, and he could face further questions in his first press conference outside of the club. It will be vital if he provides more reassurance about this topic.
Tottenham fans expect a Mohammed Kudus injury update
It is standard practice for managers to provide fitness updates in pre-match press conferences, and Spurs fans will be particularly eager to hear the latest on Mohammed Kudus, who has been sidelined for close to 100 days.
Before Igor Tudor departed, he suggested Kudus could return after the international break, but the winger was absent from recent training footage.
There is every chance De Zerbi will be asked directly about his condition, with hopes that there has been no setback in his recovery.
No more fresh injury concerns after the international break
We are now in the crunch stage of the season, where every game carries huge importance for Tottenham, who remain locked in a full-on relegation battle.
As such, Spurs simply cannot afford to lose any players, given how crucial each league fixture has become.
There was a case for recalling some players early from international duty – similar to Arsenal -although it made little difference for the Gunners, who crashed out of the FA Cup and saw their quadruple hopes ended.
Tottenham now have their players back from the internationals, and the hope will be that when De Zerbi provides a full injury update, there are no fresh concerns following the break.
Pape Matar Sarr, however, appears to have picked up a knock while away, though it is hoped to be nothing serious.
De Zerbi must provide an update on his backroom staff plans at Tottenham
It is common for coaches to bring members of their backroom staff with them when taking on a new role. That was the case with Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor during their time in the Tottenham dugout.
However, with De Zerbi, there has been little information regarding his backroom team, despite it being well known that he works with a sizeable staff.
Nesta is one De Zerbi wants amongst his backroom team, but it is claimed that the new Spurs boss will not be able to bring the centre-back along to north London.
We have also already heard from De Zerbi’s former goalkeeping coach, who offered some insight into how the 46-year-old wants his goalkeepers to play, and given how vital backroom staff are, more clarity is expected when he speaks in his first press conference.
What are Roberto De Zerbi’s plans in Spurs’ relegation fight?
Roberto De Zerbi and everyone linked with Tottenham Hotspur are fully focused on the fight to remain in the Premier League this season.
The Italian represents a different approach, with Spurs opting against a pragmatic appointment and instead looking to attack their way out of this relegation scrap.
Several former players have questioned whether that is the right strategy at this stage of the campaign, and it is a view many supporters will share.
De Zerbi has already admitted that implementing his principles will take time, which could point towards a blend of attacking intent and defensive solidity in the short term – it remains to be seen how that balance is struck.
He is also likely to face further questions on his approach to the run-in, his confidence in avoiding relegation, and whether he has been impressed by his players in training so far.
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