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Roberto De Zerbi’s first press conference as Tottenham Hotspur manager is set to offer further insight into his plans, with several key topics expected to dominate proceedings. Here are the five questions we expect to get answers to.

Tottenham Hotspur fans are slowly getting a feel for what life under Roberto De Zerbi could be like, with the club sharing behind-the-scenes footage in recent weeks.

We got a glimpse into De Zerbi’s first training session as Tottenham boss, where the former Brighton manager looked to place much emphasis on one-touch and two-touch football as he works to implement a possession-based style of play.

De Zerbi has also since given his first interview as Spurs manager, providing fans with insight into what they can expect from his time in north London.

The new boss’ next agenda will be to face journalists from the media, who could well press him with further questions, and we have now highlighted some we would love to hear answers to.

De Zerbi’s appointment as Tottenham manager was not universally welcomed, largely due to his past comments on Mason Greenwood during his time at Olympique de Marseille.

The club ensured those remarks were addressed, with the Italian issuing an apology and making it clear he does not tolerate abuse of any kind.

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That represents a positive first step in winning over sections of the fanbase, particularly after backlash from three supporters’ groups who opposed his appointment.

However, the issue is unlikely to disappear entirely, and he could face further questions in his first press conference outside of the club. It will be vital if he provides more reassurance about this topic.

It is standard practice for managers to provide fitness updates in pre-match press conferences, and Spurs fans will be particularly eager to hear the latest on Mohammed Kudus, who has been sidelined for close to 100 days.

Before Igor Tudor departed, he suggested Kudus could return after the international break, but the winger was absent from recent training footage.

There is every chance De Zerbi will be asked directly about his condition, with hopes that there has been no setback in his recovery.

No more fresh injury concerns after the international break

We are now in the crunch stage of the season, where every game carries huge importance for Tottenham, who remain locked in a full-on relegation battle.

As such, Spurs simply cannot afford to lose any players, given how crucial each league fixture has become.

There was a case for recalling some players early from international duty – similar to Arsenal -although it made little difference for the Gunners, who crashed out of the FA Cup and saw their quadruple hopes ended.

Tottenham now have their players back from the internationals, and the hope will be that when De Zerbi provides a full injury update, there are no fresh concerns following the break.

Pape Matar Sarr, however, appears to have picked up a knock while away, though it is hoped to be nothing serious.

It is common for coaches to bring members of their backroom staff with them when taking on a new role. That was the case with Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor during their time in the Tottenham dugout.

However, with De Zerbi, there has been little information regarding his backroom team, despite it being well known that he works with a sizeable staff.

Nesta is one De Zerbi wants amongst his backroom team, but it is claimed that the new Spurs boss will not be able to bring the centre-back along to north London.

We have also already heard from De Zerbi’s former goalkeeping coach, who offered some insight into how the 46-year-old wants his goalkeepers to play, and given how vital backroom staff are, more clarity is expected when he speaks in his first press conference.

What are Roberto De Zerbi’s plans in Spurs’ relegation fight?

Roberto De Zerbi and everyone linked with Tottenham Hotspur are fully focused on the fight to remain in the Premier League this season.

The Italian represents a different approach, with Spurs opting against a pragmatic appointment and instead looking to attack their way out of this relegation scrap.

Several former players have questioned whether that is the right strategy at this stage of the campaign, and it is a view many supporters will share.

De Zerbi has already admitted that implementing his principles will take time, which could point towards a blend of attacking intent and defensive solidity in the short term – it remains to be seen how that balance is struck.

He is also likely to face further questions on his approach to the run-in, his confidence in avoiding relegation, and whether he has been impressed by his players in training so far.

Sandro has teased Tottenham fans regarding a potential return to the North London club as Roberto De Zerbi goes about finalising his backroom staff.

The former Spurs midfielder, who is affectionately known as ‘the beast’ by the Lilywhites faithful, has been one of the go-to men for information on De Zerbi since the Italian’s appointment.

The 37-year-old served as the captain at Benevento under the former Brighton boss, and Sandro is convinced that De Zerbi is the perfect fit for Tottenham.

The former Spurs midfielder believes the current Tottenham squad will love working with De Zerbi, and he has now thrown a big hint about a possible reunion.

Sandro throws a major hint regarding Tottenham return

There have been rumours doing the rounds that the Brazilian will be part of the Italian’s coaching set-up at Hotspur Way.

In fact, when asked directly about it a couple of days ago, Sandro refused to rule out a possible return to Tottenham, revealing that the fans will discover the answer soon.

The Spurs fan favourite has now taken to social media to post an image of the club’s crest from the Hotspur Way training ground, and many supporters will undoubtedly see this as confirmation that Sandro is indeed set to return to the club.

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Why Sando would be a great asset to De Zerbi at Spurs

De Zerbi needs someone on his staff who understands what it means to play for the club, and Sandro may be the best fit, given the pair’s past relationship.

The midfielder is also one of the most popular players to have played for the club across the last couple of decades, and his addition to the Italian’s coaching staff will help get a lot of supporters onside.

Thomas Frank’s next managerial move could come quickly after his Tottenham Hotspur exit, with a big Premier League vacancy on the cards.

Thomas Frank’s time in the Tottenham Hotspur dugout was rather brief, with the Dane dismissed after eight months despite signing a three-year contract last summer.

It never worked out for Frank at Spurs, with results not going his way alongside a falling out with fans, which ultimately led to his sacking.

That marked the first time the Dane has been sacked from a job, but he now appears to be gearing up for his next management challenge.

Thomas Frank could swap Tottenham for Crystal Palace

Frank is a free agent and can now begin talks with clubs in need of a manager. Football Insider has now revealed that, at the moment, the former Spurs boss is the favourite to land the Crystal Palace job.

Oliver Glasner, who was linked with the Tottenham job before Frank was appointed manager, is set to depart Selhurst Park this summer when his contract expires.

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As such, Frank has been linked with the Palace job, and the Eagles have sounded out the 52-year-old to take over ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

The Dane could reunite with Tottenham’s Europa League hero Brennan Johnson at Palace. However, the Welshman was hardly a regular under Frank, and hasn’t exactly warmed to the Eagles’ set-up yet either.

Spurs spell shows Frank faces a reset at Crystal Palace

While Frank struggled to deal with the pressure at Spurs, it does not necessarily make him a bad manager.

He did have an extremely impressive spell in the Brentford dugout, where he brought stability to the Bees, making them a Premier League constant after earning promotion with them in 2021.

However, his spell at Spurs does show that the Dane perhaps was not ready for such a big job, going from a mid-table club – Brentford – to a club like Tottenham.

He will not be remembered fondly for his spell at Spurs, but he could still do a job at a club like Palace with less pressure.

An Arsenal legend has offered a surprising take on Tottenham Hotspur’s relegation fears, going against what many would expect from a fierce rival.

The precarious situation Tottenham Hotspur find themselves in this season is there for all to see, including rival fans.

The Lilywhites have struggled for form this year, having not won a single domestic match – a run that has left them hanging rather close to the bottom three.

Failure to get a victory next weekend against Sunderland, away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, combined with a West Ham win against Wolverhampton Wanderers, will see Spurs drop below those dreaded lines, taking the relegation fight out of their own hands.

Tottenham relegation fear addressed by Jens Lehmann with derby reasoning

Of course, naturally, the expectation is that Tottenham’s local rivals will be excited by the prospect of the Lilywhites being relegated.

However, former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, who was never on the losing end of a north London derby, does not want Tottenham to go down.

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Speaking on the Clutch9 Podcast, Lehmann explained that he wants Spurs to stay up and outlined his reasoning, drawing on an example from Germany.

He pointed to Schalke’s relegation from the Bundesliga and how Borussia Dortmund fans initially welcomed it, before admitting they missed the Revierderby, as he said:

“I would be happy for them to stay up.

“For example, as I told you before, there was a situation in Germany where Schalke got relegated two years before and the Dortmund fans are happy about it. But when you ask the fans, they say, ‘Wow, we’re missing the derbies.’ And so you do not really want Tottenham to go down.

“Because, you know, I love to see these derbies Tottenham against Arsenal.”

Spurs relegation would impact Premier League beyond rivalry

Of course, given the record the Gunners have in north London derbies of late, it is no surprise to hear Lehmann say he wants those games to stay.

But not just from a rivalry perspective, losing Tottenham as a whole could be rather damaging to the Premier League, given the club’s prestige and history.

Spurs used to be a constant presence in the Champions League and were even fighting for the title a few years back. They also have some of the best facilities in the country at the moment, which are regularly used by England.

Seeing all of that in the Championship would feel rather off, but that is the price they may have to pay for their lacklustre showing in the last couple of seasons.

Tottenham Hotspur now run the risk of losing out on one of their long-term target Maghnes Akliouche, who is now on the radar of an English giant.

Tottenham Hotspur are long-term admirers of Maghnes Akliouche, with interest going as far back as last summer, when he emerged as an option for the number ten role following a series of failed moves by Tottenham, before they eventually signed Xavi Simons.

In the winter window, Spurs once again reignited their interest in Akliouche, who was reported to be available for £50 million, but again, no deal materialised.

It has since been revealed that AS Monaco did not allow for Akliouche to move in the winter because they wanted to keep hold of him for their Champions League run. But Spurs could now miss out on the 23-year-old this summer.

Liverpool joins race for Tottenham target Maghnes Akliouche

According to Fichajes, the Monaco man is now understood to be attracting attention from Premier League giants Liverpool.

It is explained that the Reds see Akliouche as a long-term replacement for Mohammed Salah, who has confirmed his departure from Liverpool this season.

Akliouche has registered 15 goal contributions this campaign and could cost around £60 million – £10 million more than it would have taken to lure him away from Ligue 1 in the winter.

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Liverpool, however, will still look to negotiate a reasonable price for the 23-year-old.

Spurs need attacking depth as Maghnes Akliouche’s race heats up

This will no doubt serve as a big blow for Tottenham, who are also in need of a wide forward given the lack of depth in that area of the pitch.

Mohammed Kudus, as it stands, represents the only right-wing option available to Roberto De Zerbi, which is far from ideal for the new boss.

Kudus has been sidelined for 97 days after picking up an injury this season, and if there is no one to provide cover again next campaign, the wide man could well be run into the ground.

Akliouche represents an option for Tottenham, and it remains to be seen if they will join the race for the Frenchman once again.

Tony Pulis has revealed what Roberto De Zerbi’s priority at Tottenham Hotspur should be if he wants to keep the club in the Premier League.

Some pundits believe that getting De Zerbi has been a coup for Tottenham, given that the club are in a relegation fight.

However, others are not convinced that the Italian is the right man to get Spurs out of trouble, even though he has proven his coaching credentials at the highest level.

Only time will tell if this proves to be an inspired appointment or another mistake by the Spurs hierarchy, and another experienced manager has now shot a warning to the new Tottenham boss.

Tony Pulis tells Roberto De Zerbi he needs leaders on the pitch at Tottenham

Pulis is no stranger to the demands of a relegation battle and knows what teams need to come out of them unscathed.

He has opined that while it is important for the new Tottenham boss to implement his style of football, it is even more crucial that the club’s leaders on the pitch step up at this time of crisis.

Pulis told BBC Sport: “Roberto de Zerbi has seven games left to turn things around and stave off relegation. He will not tolerate interference and will not stand for players who won’t do what he wants them to. If they fall short, they will be out.

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“De Zerbi’s identity as a coach is about free-flowing and forward-passing football, which fits Tottenham too – it is what their fans want – but without having strong characters and a bit of well-directed leadership on the pitch, that will not count when the going gets tough.

“Wherever I managed, having that kind of character in my team was always hugely important to me. I felt a sound base like that within the team gave even limited players a chance of being successful by getting results over the course of a long and demanding season.”

Pulis tells De Zerbi to leave no stone unturned in discovering leaders at Spurs

A lack of leadership on the pitch has arguably been one of Tottenham’s biggest shortcomings this season, with many of the big names failing to step up and lead by example.

Pulis believes that De Zerbi’s challenge is to collect all the relevant information on his players over the coming days to determine which of them can be his generals on the pitch.

The former Stoke City boss added: “To find out the character of these players, I would go through numerous routes to make sure the lad I was going to sign indeed had the right credentials.

“Watching them in away games was a must, for example. So was speaking to their former coaches or managers – and players who had played with them.

“Off the field, I’d try to put a picture together too. Did they go out a lot? Were they married? The whole process would be as thorough as I could make it. I should add that it did not always go to plan!

“Spurs cannot sign anyone now to change things, so instead their players have to step up and show they have the ability to scrap it out and remain a Premier League side. If they are not up for the fight, they are going down.”

Victor Wanyama has now offered a clear verdict on Roberto De Zerbi, backing the Italian to steady the Tottenham ship – but not without a necessary shift in approach as Spurs fight to avoid disaster.

Roberto De Zerbi’s first training session at Tottenham Hotspur has left a positive impression on Spurs players, who were delighted with the Italian’s methods.

That is, of course, a good sign for Tottenham, who will need confidence heading into the final seven games of the Premier League season, with relegation still very much a reality.

De Zerbi has a clear focus on helping Tottenham avoid the drop with seven games remaining, and he has acknowledged that such a challenge may limit his ability to fully implement his principles from the outset.

Victor Wanyama backs Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi to deliver survival and success

Former Tottenham favourite Victor Wanyama has now become the latest to back Roberto De Zerbi to not only save Spurs from relegation, but turn them into a competitive force once again.

Jay Bothroyd also believes that De Zerbi will deliver European football at Spurs next season, turning them into a force to be reckoned with again.

Tottenham, however, will take to the pitch for the first time under their new manager on April 12, a game in which they will be eyeing victory.

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Speaking about De Zerbi’s track record and the impact he can have, Wanyama explained why he believes the Italian is the right fit, as quoted in the Daily Mail: “I have studied him closely. Everywhere he has gone he has improved teams.

“I have long admired De Zerbi since I noticed what he was doing with Sassuolo. Look at Shakhtar, Brighton and Marseille. He changes sides, he moulds them so they are not just survivors, they are competitors.

“I firmly believe he is the right man for Tottenham. He can keep them up, 100 per cent.

“He may need to compromise principles at first, but he is very experienced, he knows what is missing and what is necessary.”

Tottenham injuries and returning stars could shape Spurs revival

Wanyama also opened up on Tottenham’s precarious injury situation, one they have endured for most of the season.

The midfielder acknowledged that those injuries have played a role in the club’s struggles before naming the players he expects to turn things around.

Discussing the impact of injuries and the importance of key players returning, Wanyama said, “It has been difficult for the coaches at Tottenham this season because of the amount of injuries they have had. They have had 10 to 15 players out at different times and that certainly did not help.

“The club has tried different approaches but it is tough when you do not have the full squad together.

“If they can get Kudus, Maddison and Bentancur back they can play a big part in turning it around. Also getting Solanke back into a rhythm. It will make them much more solid as a unit when they have that threat.”

The former Tottenham man, who was present at the club’s clash against Liverpool late last year, is also aiming for a return later this month when Spurs take on Brighton.

Speaking about his connection to the club and a possible return to support them, Wanyama added: “I still keep in touch with some of the medical staff at Spurs and people who work in the offices. Hopefully, I will be over for the Brighton game to support them.”

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who worked under Roberto De Zerbi, has offered a revealing insight into what Tottenham can expect, with his verdict only adding to the growing intrigue around the Italian’s arrival.

While not many took to the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as Tottenham Hotspur manager, glowing reviews have now begun to come in for the new Spurs boss.

Jay Bothroyd is one of the few to have praised the appointment of De Zerbi, with the former Premier League striker going as far as to state that he expects the former Brighton manager to secure European football next season.

Neal Maupay also handed praise to De Zerbi, stating that he is a fantastic appointment for Tottenham, although he had his reservations as to how he will fare in a relegation scrap.

Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg praises Roberto De Zerbi impact

A previous comment from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is now likely to resonate with Spurs supporters.

Hojbjerg was a regular presence in Roberto De Zerbi’s midfield during the Italian’s spell at Olympique de Marseille, and when speaking to Onze Mondial in November 2025, the Denmark international was full of praise for his then manager – comments that are sure to fuel excitement among the Tottenham faithful.

Speaking about De Zerbi’s influence and his connection with players, Hojbjerg said: “I have been lucky enough to have coaches like [Pep] Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, and Antonio Conte. And I put Roberto De Zerbi in the same category.

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“Over the next 20 years, coach De Zerbi is going to contribute enormously to football. And for me, it is an honour to work with him. The coach… I do not know how to explain it. He has a connection with the dressing room, he has an emotional relationship with the dressing room, Mourinho had the same thing.

“Roberto De Zerbi has a feel for the dressing room, he understands the atmosphere, he grasps the behaviours, he knows in advance what is going to happen the next day… (he pauses). Okay, I will stop there, otherwise I will end up saying too many wonderful things (smiles). It is an honour to work with such a coach, in any case.”

Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi earns Pep Guardiola praise

Hojbjerg is not alone in his assessment of De Zerbi. Pep Guardiola also had glowing reviews of the new Spurs boss when he was manager of Brighton.

When speaking about the Italian in 2023, Guardiola highlighted the 46-year-old’s tactical influence and the distinct style of play his teams have become known for.

He said: “I am convinced that Roberto De Zerbi is one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years. There is no team that plays the way they play, it is unique.

“I had the feeling that when he arrived I had an idea the impact he would have on the Premier League would be great, but I could not expect him to do it in such a short time.

“They create on average 20-25 chances per game. They monopolise the ball in a way that has not been seen for a long time. Everybody is involved – the goalkeeper is like a holding midfielder.”

Roberto De Zerbi’s former goalkeeper coach has now revealed exactly what the Italian demands from his goalkeepers, and it could spell trouble for Guglielmo Vicario at Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur’s new head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, has already taken charge of his first training session as Spurs boss ahead of their clash with Sunderland next weekend.

De Zerbi is well aware that he has just seven games to turn the fortunes of Tottenham around as they battle against relegation this season.

As it stands, a single point is the difference between the Lilywhites and their London rivals, West Ham United.

De Zerbi, in his first interview with the club’s media, already made it clear that he will not have enough time to pass on all his principles to the players, but he did acknowledge his love for an attacking brand of football.

Tottenham goalkeepers: Jack Stern reveals Roberto De Zerbi expectations

The Italian’s comments about how much he loves football were very similar to Neal Maupay, who told Spurs fans what they can expect from their new manager.

Now Jack Stern, who worked as a goalkeeping coach under De Zerbi in the past, has provided more insight on the new Spurs boss, this time focusing on the goalkeeping department.

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Speaking about what De Zerbi demands from his goalkeepers, particularly their role in build-up play and tactical understanding, Stern told Sky Sports:

“He wants all of the things that any coach wants from a goalkeeper in terms of keeping the ball out the net and doing all those normal goalkeeper things.

“And then on top of that he wants the goalkeeper to be so involved in the build up to understand… I think the biggest thing is understanding tactically how the team plays I think the goalkeeper is very responsible for that.

“So there is a lot of focus on that in training, he works hard with the goalkeepers, he is very involved in terms of what the goalkeepers do in training. And again you see the level that the goalkeepers get to when they work with him, it is a new level.

“I do not think he will be able to fully implement all of his ideas straight away but I think the big thing he will have – the big effect he will have on his players is his belief, whether it is totally in the way he wants to play or not, but his belief in we can get results, we can play like this, we can have success together.

“He is so infectious with that belief that it is going to rub off on the staff there, the players there, the goalkeepers and I think that can… he is a special person and he can go in and have an effect that not many people could do in seven games.”

Spurs goalkeeping dilemma: Guglielmo Vicario vs Antonin Kinsky

Jack Stern’s comments only leave questions about who will be the number one at Tottenham, given the contrasting abilities of Guglielmo Vicario and Antonin Kinsky.

Kinsky is definitely the better option when it comes to playing out from the back with his feet, which is a fundamental basic in De Zerbi’s tactics, where he often baits teams to press only to play through them.

Vicario, on the other hand, could be one of the biggest losers from the appointment of De Zerbi, given his inability to play out from the back.

The Italian is guilty of often hoofing balls long and at times out of play when receiving possession this season. Such a style will be far from ideal in De Zerbi’s system, and that could see him lose his spot as number one.

We have taken a look at five Tottenham Hotspur players who could play a pivotal role in Roberto De Zerbi’s first game against Sunderland AFC.

Roberto De Zerbi has already begun settling into life in north London following his appointment earlier this week.

The new Spurs boss has since sat down with the club for his first interview, addressing several issues and outlining what is to come under his reign.

His first game, however, does not come until April 12, when Tottenham face Sunderland in the Premier League after almost a month without action due to the international break, along with no FA Cup or Champions League commitments.

With that fixture in mind, we have now taken a look at five players who could play a pivotal role in earning De Zerbi his first win at Tottenham.

Antonin Kinsky has a chance to take the Tottenham number one spot

Based on his setup at previous clubs, it is clear that De Zerbi prefers players who are comfortable on the ball.

In his first interview with Tottenham, the former Brighton manager stated that he attacks with 11 and defends with 11, highlighting just how vital every player on the pitch is.

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However, the big question then becomes Antonin Kinsky or Guglielmo Vicario? Based on their displays, the general perception is that Vicario struggles with his feet, with even the official Premier League page controversially poking fun at the Spurs number one.

Kinsky, on the other hand, is generally viewed as much better with the ball at his feet, although his howlers at Atletico Madrid have dented that particular reputation.

Kinsky will feature next weekend, given Vicario’s injury, handing him a unique chance at redemption. His ball-playing ability could be crucial if Spurs are to get off to a winning start under their new boss.

Cristian Romero’s form on Argentina duty must continue

Cristian Romero, the Tottenham captain for now, could also play a big role if Spurs are to secure all three points at the Stadium of Light.

It may sound strange given that Romero was visibly not giving his all when Nottingham Forest added a second last time out, where he was seen jogging back rather sluggishly.

But Romero has since taken responsibility and stated he will give everything in the final seven games.

He should fit naturally into De Zerbi’s system due to his ball-playing ability and desire to improve Spurs’ situation.

De Zerbi is also likely to get a confident Romero following his impressive displays with Argentina during the international break, and if he carries that form to north London, Spurs could be looking at a first win under their Italian boss.

In-form Archie Gray will be crucial for De Zerbi

Seeing Archie Gray included on our list of players who could be vital for De Zerbi against Sunderland will not surprise many Spurs fans, given his impressive displays this season.

There is a strong argument that the youngster has been the standout player under the two managers who have taken charge of Tottenham this season.

Under Igor Tudor, Gray looked confident, unafraid to get on the ball in midfield and dictate play – performing like a product of la maisa.

He also carried that form into England U21 duty, grabbing a goal for his country. If he continues playing at that level, he will be crucial for De Zerbi when Spurs travel to Sunderland.

Mohammed Kudus races against time for De Zerbi’s first game

Another player who could be crucial next weekend is Mohammed Kudus. Spurs have clearly lacked a real threat on the right since his injury.

Igor Tudor revealed that the Ghanaian was set for a return around the end of the international break.

Still, Kudus was not seen in De Zerbi’s first training session, although that does not rule him out of the Sunderland clash.

De Zerbi is known to be a big fan, having tried to sign him while at Brighton. The two could now work together in the coming days, and if it clicks, Kudus could make a real difference – though Spurs will be hoping he is ready in time.

Richarlison’s role under Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham

While De Zerbi may find selection straightforward in other areas, choosing a centre-forward could prove more difficult.

As it stands, Richarlison, Dominic Solanke and Kolo Muani are all fit, giving the Spurs boss a variety of options. There is, however, a feeling that Richarlison could be his preferred choice against Sunderland.

The Brazil international has shown he is ready for the fight in this relegation scrap and has also proven his ability in front of goal, netting ten times this season.

He looks suited to De Zerbi’s style, and if selected, it would not be a surprise to see him find the net in such an attacking system.