ENIC are in talks with a leading candidate who boasts Premier League experience — but does his track record make him too big a risk?
One of the standout names under consideration at Tottenham is Roberto De Zerbi, with reports in France from MediaFoot claiming he is currently in pole position for the role.
De Zerbi is known for his bold, possession-heavy philosophy. His teams build from the back, deliberately invite pressure to create artificial transitions, move the ball quickly, rotate fluidly, and embrace a high-risk, high-reward style of play.
Such an approach could energise Tottenham supporters who have long called for front-foot, entertaining football. His sides typically dominate possession and manufacture overloads through smart movement — traits that could bring greater cohesion to a Spurs squad rich in attacking talent but short on consistency and identity in recent seasons.
His spell at Brighton between 2022 and 2024 significantly enhanced his reputation. He guided them to a sixth-place Premier League finish in 2022/23 and into European competition, while developing players and taking the game to elite opponents with an attractive brand of football. It demonstrated his ability to thrive in England’s demanding top flight.
However, there are concerns — particularly given Tottenham’s current situation near the relegation battle.
His expansive system can leave teams vulnerable defensively. By encouraging opponents to press before springing forward, his sides can become exposed when moves break down, leading to inconsistency and heavy defeats. That vulnerability was evident during his time at Marseille, including difficult Champions League outings and a 5–0 loss to PSG. With Spurs already showing defensive fragility, the risk factor is clear.
There is also the absence of major silverware. Despite earning widespread praise — including from Pep Guardiola, who has described him as one of the most influential coaches in recent years — De Zerbi has yet to secure a significant trophy.
His relatively short managerial stints also raise questions. He departed Brighton after a successful period amid reported disagreements over recruitment strategy, and his tenure at Marseille lasted around 18 months following mixed results. He is known to demand substantial control, which would require alignment within Tottenham’s structure.
Among the current options being discussed — including Mauricio Pochettino, Oliver Glasner, Marco Silva and others — De Zerbi stands out for his tactical innovation and proven Premier League credentials.
