New Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has issued a clear and urgent message to his squad: play with courage. Facing a tense Premier League relegation battle with just seven games remaining, the Italian coach emphasized simplicity and spirit as the immediate keys to survival.

At his inaugural press conference, De Zerbi outlined his straightforward philosophy. "I don’t want to put confusion inside of the players," he stated. "They have to be with a clear plan and not too much thinking. They have to play with courage, with personality, and they have to fight." His primary demand is for the team to showcase the relentless spirit required for the challenge ahead.

Taking on a massive project, De Zerbi has signed a five-year contract with Spurs—a deal notably lacking a relegation escape clause—underscoring the high-stakes nature of his appointment. The club currently sits just one precarious point above the drop zone.

While known for a distinct tactical style from his previous roles at Brighton and Marseille, De Zerbi is prioritizing mentality over complex systems for now. "What I want to achieve immediately is the right spirit, the right courage to play, to attack," he explained, highlighting the attacking DNA of the club. After a week of training, he expressed growing confidence in the squad's ability to secure their top-flight status.

Spurs, last season's Europa League champions, have endured a turbulent campaign with rapid managerial turnover, making stability paramount. De Zerbi, set for his debut against Sunderland this Sunday, aims to harness the team's quality and fighting character to navigate this critical final stretch and achieve the singular target of Premier League survival.