Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi hasn’t exactly helped his reputation in England over the last few weeks. But he continues to have admirers in Italy.
Spurs haven’t started the season well, picking up one point in three games. They are also yet to score a goal, which isn’t a great sign considering they spent the most in Europe in the summer transfer window. That has also led to internal turmoil, with Sport Witness covering the trouble involving Richarlison.
The Italian has not helped himself in post-game interviews, which have caught the attention in England. If anything, they have only added to the chaos at the club.
Things aren’t going well in the Premier League but De Zerbi continues to have admirers in his homeland.
Player has fond memories
Filippo Romagna played under De Zerbi during their time together at Sassuolo. The defender, who is now a free agent, played 18 times under the Tottenham manager, as the Neroverdi reached new heights in Serie A.
He spoke to TuttoSport and was asked about the 47-year-old. Romagna had big praise for De Zerbi’s approach, commitment to his ideas, and spoke about his human side.
He said: “Yes, him: the way he persists and believes in his ideas is impressive. His fierce conviction really makes the difference. And he’s a fantastic person. This aspect often gets overlooked because we only talk about tactical ideas.”
The once-promising centre-back had his career ruined by knee injuries. He remains grateful to De Zerbi for staying close at that point.
“We still keep in touch, and he’s one of the few people who was truly close to me during my injury. Obviously, I never forget these things. My eyes get heart-shaped when I talk about him.”
Offering more detail, he said: “Even at the risk of being unpleasant, he always tells you what he thinks. I really like people like that.”
De Zerbi needs credit in the bank
Even at Tottenham, De Zerbi’s insistence on his ideas has been clear. The club has given him the room to build a team on the basis of that and it was working until last season.
Now, he will be desperate to get results. He needs credit in the bank for his ideas to be respected.
When things work, players indeed improve under the Italian and this has been clear at previous clubs. That is exactly why Romagna still holds him in high regard as Sassuolo were getting good results in that era.
Now, that is what Tottenham need and perceptions around the Italian will then change.
