Tottenham’s five‑year gamble on De Zerbi draws former forward’s fury

Roberto De Zerbi has signed a five‑year contract to become head coach of Tottenham Hotspur, the Premier League club, after a summer in which Spurs spent over £300 million on new players. The deal, announced during a Premier League match, ties the Italian tactician to the club until 2031.

Tottenham's £300 million summer spend

Tottenham's hierarchy did everything they could to give De Zerbi the tools to push up the Premier League. The club spent over £300 million over the summer, a response to back‑to‑back 17th‑placed finishes.

The spending spree produced big‑money deals for Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Omar Marmoush and Savinho, among others, exciting the fanbase.

Yet the new campaign has begun terribly, with Spurs hugging 17th position after four matches. Two defeats to Brentford and Newcastle United were followed by two goalless draws, leaving the team yet to score in the league.

Dugarry slams De Zerbi's appointment

Former Premier League forward Christophe Dugarry insists De Zerbi has pulled off a “heist without a balaclava” by signing a five‑year deal. “He signed for five years, the heist he pulls off, without the balaclava. It’s insane!” he told.

Dugarry added that the Italian’s recent comments about Mathys Tel were “completely delusional”, calling the coach’s statements “out of it” and questioning the lack of lucidity around him.

De Zerbi defended his remarks on Tel, saying the striker must stay inside and focus on the goal. The contract gives him time to implement his ideas, but the early poor results and mounting criticism mean both coach and club face intense pressure to deliver.