Former Tottenham player and interim coach Tim Sherwood says his heart is perhaps ruling his head. The cynicism around Cuti Romero is depressing, but clearly, this isn’t a unique view, as it can be seen everywhere online
“Couldn’t trust him as far as you can throw him…throwing the club under the bus time and time against this season”
Tim Sherwood doesn’t hold back on Spurs’ struggles 😮 pic.twitter.com/O3Ngq9qUwl
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 13, 2026
De Zerbi was appointed on March 31, 2026, on a five-year deal with no relegation clause. He’s publicly committed to staying even if they go down, but everything can change in football.
Tottenham sit 18th in the Premier League table after 32 games: 7 wins, 9 draws, 16 losses (30 points, GD -11). They’re winless in the league all year in 2026 (a 13-14 game streak, their longest since the 1930s), and have just dropped into or are hovering in the relegation zone. West Ham (17th, 32 points) recently overtook them, while Leeds (15th/16th-ish, 33 points) and Nottingham Forest (16th, 33 points) are the main threats above the drop. Burnley and Wolves are almost certainly down.
On paper, there’s talent, with Romero/van de Ven at CB, Porro/Udogie at full-back, with creative mids like Xavi Simons/Bergvall when fit, and goal threats in Richarlison/Solanke/Tel. Recent signings like Palhinha and others added depth, but injuries and form have nullified it.
The squad is better than the bottom three on talent alone, but injuries, poor recruitment balance (especially wide areas and midfield control), and a shattered mentality have exposed systemic flaws. De Zerbi’s possession/attacking style could help long-term, but with ~6 games left and zero momentum, these weaknesses make survival a massive uphill battle. One or two key returns and wins could flip it, but the fragility is real.
Spurs have historically struggled without him. Data from prior seasons shows better win rates, fewer goals conceded, and stronger underlying metrics (e.g., lower xGA) with him in the line-up. In 2025/26, they’ve lost six of nine league games he missed. His tackling, interceptions, and leadership stabilize the backline alongside Micky van de Ven (also injury-prone).
Short-term, losing their best/most influential defender and captain during a relegation dogfight would hurt more than help—defensive stats and results back this. Long-term, if Spurs stabilize (stay up or bounce back), cashing in on a high-maintenance player with one eye on the exit could be smart. The bigger issues are structural: squad depth, recruitment, and managerial instability.
Romero is a symptom, not the sole cause, Tim.