Tottenham’s key star pulled out of training due to injury following Roberto De Zerbi’s appointment
Jermain Defoe has backed Roberto De Zerbi to keep Tottenham at risk of relegation from the Premier League after falling foul of Italy’s style of football.
De Zerbi is “good enough” – Defoe
Former Brighton and Marseille manager De Zerbi is Spurs’ third manager this difficult season, having been appointed on Tuesday with the club sitting just one point above where they are now.
Defoe, who also starts a new role this week after managing National League side Woking, had two spells with Tottenham as a player and began his coaching career in north London.
“He’s someone who comes with an unbelievable CV,” Defoe said of De Zerbi, who has previously managed Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk.
“If you look at the way he plays, as football fans you have to appreciate and appreciate the way they play.
“I remember the (De Zerbi) Brighton team, watching Brighton play and thinking, ‘wow, this is the right way to play football’.
“He will join a big football team but he is a person with a good CV and a person who supports himself.”
Tottenham sacked Igor Tudor on Sunday following one point from five top-flight games during his short spell, having recently sacked Thomas Frank on February 11.
“I hope this group of players can respond and get the results they need,” continued Defoe.
|
Premier League manager salaries – click for full list |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Level |
The manager |
The club |
Salary per year |
|
1 |
Pep Guardiola |
Man City |
£20m |
|
2 |
Roberto De Zerbi |
Tottenham |
£12m |
|
3 |
Mikel Arteta |
Arsenal |
£10m |
|
4 |
Unai Emery |
Aston Villa |
£8m |
|
5 |
Arne Slot |
Liverpool |
£6.6m |
|
6 |
Eddie Howe |
Newcastle |
£6m |
|
7 |
David Moyes |
Everton |
£5m |
“Many players have never seen this before, the fans and the team have never faced this situation before.
“I hope they can come out of this and with this manager, I’m sure he’s ready to get the results they need.”
The new manager has a long injury list to contend with, with eight top players out or doubtful ahead of the trip to Sunderland.
Mathys Tel, Guglielmo Vicario, Ben Davies, Wilson Odobert, Mohammed Kudus, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur could all be out for the weekend, and another concern has now been added to that list.
The Tottenham star has retired from international action
Indeed, Senegal star Pape Matar Sarr was withdrawn from the team that will face Gambia on Tuesday after a few hours of being selected by De Zerbi.
A report from the player’s hometown revealed that he has injured his shoulder, which is believed to be the reason why he was pulled out of training on the day of the match.
Sarr has been key for Spurs this season, playing 22 times in the Premier League and nine more in the Champions League, his ability to play in multiple positions a godsend for a new manager facing a struggling club.
Roberto De Zerbi’s top goal for Tottenham is the £55m Saudi Pro League star who has Spurs bosses in red.
Spurs are in contention for a “special” striker.
De Zerbi may have to make it through without him on his debut, but it’s unclear how long the 23-year-old will be sidelined.
