De Zerbi's put 'principles' aside to 'lift' Spurs

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton says Roberto de Zerbi has gone into Tottenham "and put his coaching principles aside" in order to try and save them from relegation.

De Zerbi's reign started with defeat at Sunderland, meaning Spurs are still winless in 2026 in the Premier League.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club about the tough job De Zerbi has, Sutton said: "He is a pure coach, but he has said the team don't need to be coached and that means they are that low on confidence they are not ready for him to go in and play the De Zerbi brand of football.

"It is just about getting them over the line and I think he is doing the right thing, but it is pathetic really.

"I was looking at their bench on the weekend and it's an expensive bench, let alone the first team. How Tottenham are in this position is just incredible. The players have to take a great deal of responsibility.

"In De Zerbi's early days it is just about trying to lift them and keep them on side.

"He has gone in and put his coaching principles aside and will give them a good pat on the back to try and keep them up."

The Observer's Rory Smith says De Zerbi has taken a "firefighter's approach" and is being "pragmatic".

Smith said: "De Zerbi's said 'I'll put this on hold until the summer. Let's stay up and then we can do the playing out from the back stuff.'"

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

[BBC]

[BBC]