Roberto De Zerbi, the newly appointed Tottenham Hotspur manager, has a challenging task ahead of him. With the club in the Premier League's bottom three and yet to win a match in 2026, De Zerbi must quickly turn things around to avoid a potential relegation battle. His focus is on two key players: Conor Gallagher and Xavi Simons, who have both struggled to live up to their potential since joining the club.
Gallagher, a £35 million signing from Atletico Madrid, has failed to make a significant impact since his arrival. His leadership role at Chelsea, where he was a key player, seems to have been lost in his transition to Tottenham. De Zerbi acknowledges this challenge, stating, 'He was a leader in Chelsea, and now he has to adapt to a new club, to new team-mates, to a new stadium, to a new everything.'
Simons, on the other hand, has shown glimpses of brilliance since joining for £51 million from RB Leipzig. However, his consistency has been a concern under previous managers Igor Tudor and Thomas Frank. De Zerbi, however, believes he has a plan to unlock their potential.
In his own words, De Zerbi explains, 'Two parts. One part, the focus on the ball, on the pitch, to put them in the best position, the favourite position they feel, for sure, and the mental part.' He emphasizes the importance of mental focus and adapting to the new environment, stating, 'I have to help him [Gallagher] to put as a target the Gallagher in Chelsea.'
De Zerbi's approach is not just about individual talent but also about creating a cohesive unit. He believes that by focusing on the ball and changing the focus from defense to offense, Tottenham can keep the ball and create more scoring opportunities. This strategy is crucial for a team that has struggled to score and has conceded goals in recent matches.
The Italian manager's challenge is to transform Tottenham's fortunes quickly. With only seven games left in the season, De Zerbi must find a way to make Gallagher and Simons shine and turn Tottenham's season around. It's a tall order, but with his tactical acumen and belief in his players, De Zerbi is determined to make it happen.
