Zürcher Nachrichten - De Zerbi urges Spurs to unleash attacking 'DNA' in survival fight

The former Brighton and Marseille boss has been hired with a brief to stop Spurs suffering a catastrophic first relegation from the English top flight since 1977.

The London club are languishing just one point above the Premier League drop zone, with seven games remaining.

De Zerbi, 46, replaced interim head coach Igor Tudor, who failed to win any of his five league matches after taking over from the sacked Thomas Frank.

"What I want to do, what I want to achieve immediately is the character, is the right spirit, the right courage to play, to attack because the DNA of this club, of this squad, is to find the goal, to score," said the Italian.

Tottenham have not won a league game in 2026, but De Zerbi, speaking on Friday at his first press conference, is convinced they have the quality to stay up.

"I'm sure about the level of the players because many players in the past I was very, very close to bringing them to my former teams," he said.

"They are working very well. I think I'm not better than Thomas Frank or Igor Tudor because I consider them very good coaches.

"I try to bring my style, myself, my character, my personality, my passion to help the players. First of all, to show their qualities, because they have a lot of qualities and then to achieve our target."

Tottenham have failed to win any of their past 13 league games, including a dismal 3-0 home defeat against relegation rivals Nottingham Forest in their final match before Tudor's exit.

With fans growing increasingly antagonistic over their club's plight, De Zerbi was asked why he accepted the tough task of saving Tottenham.

"It was a big opportunity because Tottenham is one of the most important clubs in the Premier League," he said.

"The Premier League is the best league in the world. I love the qualities of the players, we have a lot of specific players for my style."

The Italian said he wanted to remain at Tottenham for a long time, despite the threat of a drop into the second-tier Championship.

"If I sign my contract in April, I have to be ready to stay no matter what next season," he said.

"So, I want to stay focused on Sunderland and the other six games again, but my idea is very clear."

A.Wyss--NZN