146-goal PL icon reveals why he has doubts over Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham, despite ‘liking’ him

Roberto De Zerbi faces an uphill task of keeping Tottenham up in the Premier League.

Roberto De Zerbi has committed his long-term future to White Hart Lane, as he hopes to steer Tottenham Hotspur to Premier League survival.

The Italian, who mutually parted ways with Ligue 1 club Marseille in February, has penned a five-year deal with no relegation clause. He wasn’t ready to join the club for only seven games, but credit to the Hotspur Way chiefs for convincing Roberto De Zerbi to take up the job and keep them up.

There is no denying that De Zerbi is a talented coach with previous Premier League experience with Brighton and Hove Albion, but his hiring has not been received well by certain sections of the fans and pundits. It is now up to the 46-year-old to make his detractors eat humble pie by guiding Spurs to safety.

Ex-Spurs striker not convinced by Roberto De Zerbi’s ‘Latin temperament’ to manage the North London club

With only one point separating Tottenham from London rivals West Ham, De Zerbi has taken over the debris left behind by Igor Tudor. TalkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino has praised the Italian tactician’s achievements at former club Marseille, backing him to do well in N17.

However, Tottenham icon Teddy Sheringham is not convinced by De Zerbi’s suitability for the role. While the 146-goal former PL star admires the 46-year-old, Sheringham fears his combustible personality could create problems in the dressing room and potentially hamper Spurs’ survival hopes.

“I like him, first of all. I like him as a manager, if I’m perfectly honest,” Sheringham was quoted by Goal.

“I don’t know whether he’s the right fit for Tottenham. He’s very outspoken, very Latin temperament, quite narky at times. Says how he feels, says what he demands from people. I don’t know whether that’s the right sort of person in charge in the long run, but I’m excited by what he gives you.”

De Zerbi has to make an immediate impact

Unless De Zerbi can connect with the players and galvanise the toxic atmosphere at home games, Tottenham are heading only one way. The young tactician’s man-management skills will play an extremely important role here, and he can afford to make the same mistakes his predecessor, Igor Tudor, did.

Tudor’s handling of players on the pitch and in press conferences caused unrest in the dressing room and backfired. Though known for his fiery attitude and explosive personality, De Zerbi has to find a way to get the best out of the squad and effectively get results.

Spurs face Sunderland at the weekend at the Stadium of Light, a tricky place to go as evidenced by their home form on their return to the top flight this season. All eyes will be on how De Zerbi approaches the game and guides Tottenham to victory in Wearside.