Roberto De Zerbi is set for his Tottenham Hotspur dugout debut this weekend, but the new boss is already striking a humble tone. As he prepares to lead the struggling Premier League side against Sunderland, De Zerbi was quick to deflect any notion of superiority over the managers he follows.

"I think I am not better than Frank or Tudor because I consider them very good coaches," De Zerbi stated in his first press conference. He takes over a club in serious peril, sitting just one point above the relegation zone with only seven matches left in the season. The Italian becomes Spurs' third manager this turbulent campaign, following Thomas Frank and the briefly tenured Igor Tudor, who lasted just 44 days.

Despite the immense pressure, De Zerbi expressed gratitude for the opportunity, thanking Chairman Vinai Venkatesham and Technical Director Johan Lange for their confidence. He also hinted at a familiarity with the squad, noting, "I was very, very close to bringing many of these players to my former teams in the past." His immediate focus is clear: instilling his distinct style and personality to rally the team toward top-flight survival.

The task ahead is monumental. Tottenham's form has been dismal, without a domestic league win in 2026 and only two victories since late October 2025. A recent Champions League exit to Atletico Madrid compounded the misery for a historic club that has spent only one season outside England's top division since 1950.

For De Zerbi, who previously managed Brighton, the challenge is also an opportunity. "Tottenham are a very important club in the Premier League and the Premier League is the best league in the world," he said. With a crucial 12-day preparation period before his first match, his message to players and staff is one of shared responsibility with the fans: "We have to deserve the support because the fans are suffering like us." The fight for Spurs' Premier League life begins now.