Jermain Defoe has backed Roberto De Zerbi to keep relegation-threatened Tottenham in the Premier League after being dazzled by the Italian’s slick style of football.
De Zerbi is "good enough" - Defoe
Former Brighton and Marseille boss De Zerbi is Spurs’ third manager of a miserable season, having been appointed on Tuesday with the club sitting just a point above the drop zone.
Defoe, who is also starting a new role this week after taking charge of National League side Woking, had two spells with Tottenham as a player and also began his coaching career in north London.
“He’s someone that comes in with an unbelievable CV,” Defoe said of De Zerbi, who has also managed Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk.
“When you look at his playing style, as football fans you have to appreciate and enjoy the way they play.
“I remember the (De Zerbi) Brighton team, watching Brighton play thinking, ‘wow, this is the right way to play football’.
“He’s going into a massive football club but he’s someone with a good CV and someone who backs himself.”
Tottenham sacked Igor Tudor on Sunday following one point from five top-flight games during his brief tenure, having only dispensed with Thomas Frank on February 11.
“I just hope this group of players can respond and get the results they need,” continued Defoe.
“A lot of the players haven’t experienced this before, the fans and the club have not been through this situation before.
“Hopefully they can come out of it and with this manager, I’m sure he’s good enough to get the results they need.”
The new manager has a lengthy injury list to contend with, as eight senior players are currently out or doubtful ahead of the trip to Sunderland.
Mathys Tel, Guglielmo Vicario, Ben Davies, Wilson Odobert, Mohammed Kudus, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur could all be absent at the weekend, and another concern has now been added to that list.
Tottenham star withdrawn from international action
Indeed, Senegal star Pape Matar Sarr was withdrawn from their squad to face Gambia on Tuesday just hours after De Zerbi's appointment.
A report from the midfielder's homeland claimed he has suffered a shoulder injury, which is believed to have resulted in him being pulled from training on the day of the game.
Sarr has been crucial for Spurs this season, playing 22 times in the Premier League and nine more in the Champions League, with his ability to play in several positions a godsend for a new manager dealing with a squad in crisis.
De Zerbi may well have to make do without him in his opening match, but it is unclear how long the 23 year-old will be sidelined for.