Roberto De Zerbi, the newly appointed Tottenham Hotspur head coach, has a challenging task ahead of him. With the club in the Premier League's bottom three and yet to win a match in 2026, De Zerbi must quickly turn things around to avoid the drop. Among his priorities are two high-profile signings: Conor Gallagher and Xavi Simons. These players have shown potential but have struggled to make an impact so far. De Zerbi, however, is confident that he knows how to get the best out of them.
De Zerbi's approach is twofold. Firstly, he wants to focus on the mental aspect of the game, helping Gallagher and Simons to adapt to their new roles and environments. Gallagher, in particular, has had to adjust to a new club, teammates, stadium, and everything else. De Zerbi wants to remind Gallagher of his leadership days at Chelsea and help him regain his form.
Secondly, De Zerbi wants to optimize their positions on the pitch. He believes that by putting them in their favorite positions, he can unlock their full potential. For Gallagher, this might mean returning to the role he excelled in at Chelsea. For Simons, it could be about providing more solutions when they have the ball and changing the focus from defense to offense.
De Zerbi's strategy is not just about getting Gallagher and Simons to perform individually. It's also about changing the DNA of the club. He wants to instill a culture of keeping the ball and trying to score, rather than being worried about conceding goals. This approach is particularly fascinating because it shows De Zerbi's understanding of the psychological aspects of the game.
However, De Zerbi's success will depend on his ability to execute this strategy effectively. He will need to make quick decisions and implement changes that can turn the team's fortunes around. The pressure is on, and the clock is ticking. De Zerbi's performance in the next seven matches will be crucial in determining Tottenham's fate in the Premier League.
