Roberto de Zerbi has set aside his coaching principles to help Tottenham avoid relegation after a defeat at Sunderland, leaving Spurs winless in 2026. Chris Sutton commented on the team's low confidence and the need for immediate results over style.
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.'"
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[BBC]
Q&A
Why has Roberto de Zerbi changed his coaching approach at Tottenham?
Roberto de Zerbi has changed his coaching approach to prioritize immediate results over his usual principles in an effort to save Tottenham from relegation.
What was Tottenham's performance like in 2026 under de Zerbi?
Tottenham remains winless in 2026, having suffered a defeat at Sunderland since de Zerbi took over as head coach.
What did Chris Sutton say about Tottenham's situation?
Chris Sutton stated that the players must take responsibility for Tottenham's poor performance and highlighted the team's lack of confidence as a significant issue.
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