Football London

Tottenham Hotspur confirmed the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as the club's new head coach on a five-year contract on Tuesday

Roberto De Zerbi will be handed a lucrative survival bonus if he manages keep Tottenham in the Premier League.

De Zerbi, 46, was appointed as the new Spurs head coach on a bumper five-year contract on Tuesday. He has replaced Igor Tudor, who was sacked on Sunday following a disastrous 44-day reign in north London, and has been first tasked with retaining the club's top-flight status.

Tottenham have endured a horrendous season so far and sit 17th in the table, just one point and one place above West Ham in 18th. Indeed, Spurs have failed to win any of their last 13 top-flight matches and there is now a real danger that they could be relegated to the Championship.

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But, should De Zerbi keep Tottenham in the Premier League, he would receive a mega survival bonus, according to The Mirror. That would, of course, come alongside the significant pay packet he is receiving from his contract, with the Italian reported to have become the third-highest-paid manager in England behind Arsenal's Mikel Arteta and Manchester City's Pep Guardiola.

If De Zerbi doesn't keep Spurs in the top flight, however, there is NO relegation escape clause inserted into his contract, and he would therefore lead the club into the Championship.

The ex-Brighton and Marseille boss has seven games to preserve Tottenham's top-flight status, with his first competitive game as the club's head coach set to be a trip to Sunderland on Sunday, April 12.

They then host his former club Brighton before travelling to rock-bottom Wolves in a three-game period that could be pivotal if Spurs want to remain in the Premier League. Aston Villa, Leeds United, Chelsea and Everton are the other four teams that Tottenham have to face between now and the end of the season.

Speaking after his appointment, De Zerbi reiterated that his first task was to keep Tottenham up. "I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world," he said.

"In all my discussions with the club's leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear – to build a team capable of reaching great achievements and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters. I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it.

"Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season. I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that."

Tottenham sporting director Johan Lange added: "Roberto was our number one target for the summer and we are very pleased to be able to bring him in now.

"He is one of the most creative and forward-thinking coaches in world football and brings with him a wealth of experience at the highest level, including in the Premier League."

Roberto De Zerbi was confirmed as Tottenham's new manager on Tuesday - and the Italian has a heck of a job on his hands with Spurs battling to stay in the Premier League

There's a palpable buzz at Tottenham following the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi. But across the Channel, the mood is a little more muted.

On Tuesday, De Zerbi was confirmed as Igor Tudor's successor, signing a five-year deal to become Spurs' third manager of what's been a turbulent season. He arrives with the club hovering just a point above the relegation zone, facing the very real threat of a damaging drop to the Championship.

After his impressive spell at Brighton, many Tottenham supporters believe De Zerbi has the tactical acumen to guide them to safety. But in France, confidence is less assured, with sections of the media casting doubt on whether the former Marseille boss can replicate that success under such intense pressure.

TeamFootball called the decision to hire De Zerbi a "bold gamble" and a "crazy bet for survival," pointing to the defensive weaknesses of his teams, particularly as they're getting to grips with the 46-year-old's demanding and often complex playing style.

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"The risk is immense," the publication wrote. "The rapid adoption of his methods could prove costly in the relegation battle."

Similarly, L'Equipe branded the appointment "a double edge sword," noting that De Zerbi's management style is "incandescent" and can leave players exhausted. They also warned that his complex tactics may take too long to implement in a seven-game relegation battle.

MVZ Sports claimed the Tottenham job would be the "most difficult challenge" of De Zerbi's career, pointing to the desperation and lack of confidence in the squad following two torrid seasons domestically. Score.fr also urged caution, labelling De Zerbi a "builder" not a "firefighter."

Le Parisien, on the other hand, gave this assessment: "From the cauldron of the Vélodrome, the 46-year-old manager will land on a scorching bench: his Croatian predecessor lasted only seven matches in the English capital after having himself replaced Thomas Frank."

Despite the reservations in France, Tottenham sporting director labelled De Zerbi "one of the most creative and forward-thinking coaches in world football," adding that he was the club's "No. 1 target" for the summer.

Initially, De Zerbi wanted to take over at the end of the season - but was ultimately convinced to take the reins earlier once faith in Tudor began deteriorating. Spurs' interest in De Zerbi dates back to 2023 and he became one of their primary managerial targets in the wake of Thomas Frank's dismissal in February, according to The Athletic.

"I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world," De Zerbi said in a statement on Tuesday.

"In all my discussions with the club's leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear - to build a team capable of reaching great achievements and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters. I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it.

"Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season. I'm looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that."

His first game in charge will be against Sunderland on April 12 before a mouthwatering clash against former team Brighton six days later. Tottenham then round off the campaign with games against fellow relegation-battlers Wolves and Leeds, as well as tough ties against Aston Villa, Chelsea and Everton.

Tottenham central defender Luka Vuskovic is set to feature for Croatia at this summer's World Cup

Luka Modric has made it clear he feels Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic has what it takes to thrive at the top level.

The 19-year-old Spurs gem is being described as the 'main positive' of Croatia's mini US-tour ahead of the World Cup this summer.

He started both matches for Croatia, scoring in the 2-1 victory over Colombia before also impressing during last night's 3-1 defeat to Brazil.

When asked if Vuskovic is good enough to play at the highest level, Modric said after earning his 196th cap against his former boss Carlo Ancelotti: "Definitely. He played two very good games, he has a great future ahead of him, he just needs to keep going."

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Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic already confirmed Vuskovic is set to be named in his World Cup squad several months ago.

Therefore, his stock is only likely to increase on the back of an excellent loan spell in Germany with Hamburger SV.

Tottenham are yet to make a decision on his future but the talented teenager will not be short of interest at the end of the campaign.

Barcelona are courting the player and have him on their defensive shortlist alongside Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni.

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have also been strongly linked as Spurs continue to fight their way towards Premier League survival.

Speaking last month, Vuskovic told German media he was not willing to make any statements over his future when asked if he'd consider playing in the Championship if Tottenham were relegated.

He said: “I can’t and won’t say anything about that or about the future in general. I’m their player and have a contract until 2030.”

The former Dinamo Zagreb prodigy has scored five goals at club level this term in 24 appearances in the Bundesliga.

Vuskovic is developing at a frightening rate, however, that will come as no surprise to Tottenham, who invested £12million to sign him back in September 2023.

They waited a long while to formalise that transfer too as he could not be registered until he turned 18 due to Brexit, meaning he spent time on loan in Poland and Belgium.

Hamburg are keen to re-sign Vuskovic on another loan so he can play alongside his brother Mario next season when he returns from a doping ban in November.

That prospect seems unlikely though as it's clear Vuskovic is ready to make his mark in the Premier League or at another top European club.

Many football managers want to stick with what they know, so with that in mind, here are five Marseille players Roberto De Zerbi may look to sign for Tottenham

For the next two months, Roberto De Zerbi will have to work with whatever Tottenham Hotspur stars are at his disposal. The Italian is dealing with the same injury crisis which blighted the brief reigns of Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor.

With Spurs only one point above those dreaded dotted lines, De Zerbi cannot afford to look beyond this Premier League campaign. A woefully poor season could become historically disastrous if he does not hit the ground running.

However, the ex-Brighton and Hove Albion manager is a confident man who will more than expect to drag Tottenham to safety. His self-belief may even prompt him to look ahead to this summer's transfer market, where some of his former players could be on his transfer list.

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De Zerbi did some impressive things in Marseille, even if his reign was abruptly cut short after a shock Champions League exit and a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. At times, the French side played some entertaining football under his stewardship.

Perhaps in a bid to replicate his unique style, he may look to arrange some reunions with some of his ex-Marseille players. Here are five players he may look to sign for Tottenham this summer.

Geronimo Rulli

The former Manchester City goalkeeper has been a constant presence in goal for the French side. With Guglielmo Vicario being linked with a move back to Italy and Antonin Kinsky struggling on his debut, De Zerbi may look for a solid goalkeeper who can handle his style.

Rulli may be the experienced and reliable head Tottenham have been craving between the sticks. With his contract expiring next summer, he may also be an affordable signing for the club.

Quinten Timber

If De Zerbi decides he wants to bring Quinten Timber with him to Tottenham, a sibling rivalry would be added to next year's North London Derby. The Dutchman is the twin brother of Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber.

Quinten has been a reliable presence at Marseille this year, impressing in the French side's midfield as well as for his national team. Spurs have looked flaky in the midfield all season, and if De Zerbi wants someone who already knows his style of football, Quinten may be the perfect addition.

Arthur Vermeeren

On the subject of midfielders who understand and thrive in De Zerbi's style, Arthur Vermeeren may be a great target for Tottenham. The young Belgian looked like a star in the making under the Italian.

Considering the way De Zerbi wants his midfield stars to be pressing machines as well as technicians, the Belgium U21s international may be eyed as a long-term signing. Spurs have a lot of midfield engines in Joao Palhinha, Conor Gallagher, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and others, but Vermeeren would bring something different to their midfield.

Timothy Weah

Last summer, Timothy Weah was briefly linked with a move to Tottenham when Thomas Frank was in charge. With his former manager De Zerbi now at the helm, a move may be more likely.

Weah arrived at Marseille from Juventus last summer and has gone on to contribute three goals and four assists. However, his value may be in his versatility, as he has featured at right-back, left-back, right midfield and left wing under De Zerbi.

Given Tottenham's worrying injury record, the prospect of signing a player who can feature out wide in defence and in the forward line may be palatable to the Spurs board. If De Zerbi harbours belief in him, the club may make a more serious attempt at signing him.

Benjamin Pavard

The French World Cup winner may not be considered the world-class force he was when he played at Bayern Munich, but he now appears to be over his injury issues and has been a key player at the Stade Velodrome.

At the age of 30, he still has many years ahead of him, and with the futures of Micky van de Venn and Cristian Romero uncertain, the Frenchman may be just the leader Tottenham will need at the end of the campaign.

After Tottenham Hotspur suffered yet another frustrating injury blow, Football London takes a look at what Roberto De Zerbi's first Spurs team may look like

Roberto De Zerbi has been introduced to Tottenham Hotspur's ever-growing injury crisis. Both Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor tried to contend with the list of injured players in north London but failed miserably.

At Brighton and Hove Albion, De Zerbi imposed a high-pressing and intense style of play which tests the physical limits of his players as well as their tactical nous. The new Spurs boss will have to quickly get his vision across while also preserving the few players he has available.

The Italian was dealt another huge blow as Pape Matar Sarr returned from the international break with a shoulder injury. There is 11 days between now and De Zerbi's first Premier League match, an away clash against Sunderland.

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At present, when injuries and suspensions are included, De Zerbi will not be able to call upon Sarr, first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, Ben Davies, Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus.

With Vicario suffering a hernia injury, it will surely be a fresh start for Antonin Kinsky, who has not featured since his nightmare evening against Atletico Madrid. Pedro Porro will slot in at right-back, as Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven lead from central defence, while Djed Spence will likely be deployed at left-back.

Midfield will then be an interesting area for De Zerbi. Tudor was guilty of constantly rotating his midfield due to his repeated alterations of Tottenham's formation.

However, De Zerbi religiously deployed Brighton in a 4-3-3 formation and will surely do so again. Archie Gray, who has been one of Spurs' sole bright lights this season, will be in the midfield, while Palhinha will likely be deployed in Sarr's absence with Conor Gallagher completing the midfield tripartite.

In the forward line, Richarlison, Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons look the most likely options to lead the front line. Randal Kolo Muani will fancy his chances of forcing his way into the frontline.

Lucas Bergvall will also be waiting in the wings should a position on the wing or in central midfield open up. De Zerbi may also place his faith in young Brazilian left-back Souza, who arrived in January.

However, the Italian has little time to experiment or tinker. With Spurs just one point and one place above 18th-placed West Ham United, they cannot afford to start slowly under De Zerbi.

He has seven matches to save Spurs from a historic and disastrous relegation. After Sunderland, De Zerbi will also play host to his former side Brighton and Hove Albion on April 18 before a pivotal away clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 25.

After those fixtures, which all look like must-win games, Tottenham face Aston Villa at Villa Park on May 2, Leeds United at home on May 9 and Chelsea away on May 17, before a final home match against Everton on the final day of the season.

After Tottenham Hotspur's recent accounts dropped, some information about what Daniel Levy had earned at the club appears to have been revealed in the documents

Former Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy earned more than £12million in his final year at the club, according to club accounts. The former executive chairman was a divisive figure at the club, with many blaming the club's woes on his actions in north London.

Levy, 64, left his position in September with Vinai Venkatesham taking over as CEO and sporting director Johan Lage overseeing football matters at the club. The pair will be desperately hoping their latest big decision, appointing Roberto De Zerbi as manager, will save the club from a previously unthinkable relegation.

While Spurs fans have been less than impressed by the new Tottenham backroom chiefs, there is still frustration with Levy's reign in north London. Fans will have been reminded of his previous presence in the latest set of financial results up until June 30, 2025.

Within the reports, it states the highest paid director at the club, which is understood to be Levy at the time, earned £5.775m, representing an increase from £3.728m.

Moreover, it also states £6.661m was also paid "in respect of past director compensation for loss of office" which is also understood to have been paid before Levy left the club in September.

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The financial results did have one financial boost, which was total revenue and other income increasing from £528.2m to £565.3m, representing a 7% jump. However, as the revenue creeped up so too did the club's losses, as the club recorded a loss of £94.7m from £26.2m the previous year.

Furthermore, club debt has also increased from £772.5m to £831.2m. Spurs also state they had a net spend of £158.59m in the transfer window last summer.

Considering Tottenham are staring down the barrel of another season finishing in the bottom five, or maybe even below the dotted lines of relegation, these figures will not chime well with supporters.

De Zerbi has 11 days to ready his new players for his first Premier League match as Spurs manager. It could not be much harder as the club travel to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland, who have been impressive at home in their first season back in the top flight.

His next two fixtures may also be make or break as they host Brighton and Hove Albion and then travel to take on rock bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers the following week.

Sweden booked their ticket to the World Cup on Tuesday evening as Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres struck the winner in their dramatic 3-2 play-off victory over Poland in Stockholm

Tottenham playmaker Dejan Kulusevski has claimed he is ready to defy the odds and prove his fitness in time for this summer's World Cup.

The 25-year-old, who has not kicked a ball this season following patella surgery last May, fought back the tears as he watched his nation defeat Poland 3-2 in their crunch play-off in Stockholm to clinch their ticket to North America.

Speaking to Viaplay, Kulusevski reaffirmed his commitment to featuring at the tournament, despite indicating he faces an uphill battle to make that dream a reality.

He said: "I haven't played in a year. I know what the chances are. But if there is one person on the planet who can do this, I would bet on myself. And we are not just going there to participate. Sweden will aim to be one of the best. "As long as I live, I will do everything I can so that Sweden, when we go out and play, will not be afraid of anyone. Brazil, France, whoever they are. That's why I'm on this planet. To give faith and love to my people."

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Around three weeks ago, Kulusevski had a minor surgical intervention to clean up his knee.

He is adamant the small operation was necessary and represented a turning point in his recovery, recently explaining during a separate interview: "I understand that people were worried, but it was actually for the wrong reason.

"It was really positive to undergo this small operation and be able to identify the problem. Now everything should be sorted out. Maybe because of things that won't be known because, at the end of the day, it's only God who decides and no one else."

Kulusevski then travelled to Valencia to support Sweden in their play-off semi-final against Ukraine last Thursday before cheering his team-mates over the finish line in his homeland.

For him, he does not want any share of glory, adding last night: "I don't want to take anything for myself. I want those who play to get all the credit. But I still want to be there for my little brothers. And I wanted to be part of this.

"Of course it's hard to have a limp and not be able to walk up stairs, but I put that ego aside. Because I want to celebrate with the guys."

Roberto De Zerbi has taken over at Tottenham, and football.london delves into what it means for Arsenal

Roberto De Zerbi will take on the job at Tottenham Hotspur, leaving Arsenal fans with their fourth different rival head coach in the space of a year. From Ange Postecoglou, to Thomas Frank, to a short stint of Igor Tudor, whose first match was overseeing a 4-1 defeat in the North London derby, to the former Brighton and Marseille boss.

It's understood they have offered huge money and a long five-year contract to convince him to commit to the project. With a relegation battle in full swing and a real possibility of Championship football next season, so much remains up in the air.

For Arsenal, they have loftier ambitions but will keep a firm eye on what is going on just down the road. With that in mind, football.london takes a look at the potential impacts on the Gunners.

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Head-to-head

While Arteta might not face De Zerbi for the rest of this season, should Spurs manage to stay up, or were they to meet in any cup competition, the pair will reunite. The Italian managed to score a win over the Spaniard in their first meeting in 2022 when Brighton knocked Arsenal out of the League Cup with a 3-1 win at the Emirates.

Arsenal would get its revenge in the league on New Year’s Eve of the same year, winning 4-2 at the Amex Stadium. Yet, in what is his most recent win over Arteta, the 3-0 win at the Emirates all but ended the Gunners’ title hopes when May came around.

In the 2023/24 season, Arteta won both home and away, 2-0 and 3-0 respectively, against De Zerbi’s Brighton. The Spaniard edging the record between the two, 3-2.

Respect is there

The interesting dynamic that Arteta has huge appreciation for the Italian. In fact, with Ethan Nwaneri joining Marseille on loan while De Zerbi was there, Arteta revealed that his presence was a key reason behind the decision to choose OM.

"After having a discussion with him, with his father, the agent and the club, we decided that the best thing to do was to leave and go on loan,” he said.

"Then we have to pick the right place, and having all the options, understand the experience that we had in Marseille as well with (William Saliba), the fact that Roberto is there and he’s an incredible developer of young talent and he’s a really courageous manager in the way he plays, the way he plays with young talent as well and he has a big track record about that.

"I think it fits the way of playing for the qualities that we want to see for Ethan. So it’s going to be a great experience for him."

De Zerbi sadly left soon after, and Nwaneri’s loan has been a challenge. But what we learn is that, clearly, Arteta will have immense respect for Spurs’ potential new boss.

EXCLUSIVE: Roberto De Zerbi handed immediate request for Tottenham squad as he’s told what players want

Roberto De Zerbi has been named as the new Tottenham Hotspur manager in the wake of Igor Tudor's exit, and has quite the task ahead of him to keep the club in the Premier League

Brad Friedel claims that Roberto De Zerbi must inspire confidence in his players should Tottenham Hotspur wish to remain in the Premier League next season.

The Italian has been named as the club's new head coach following Igor Tudor's exit. The Croatian managed just seven games in north London - having only stepped in on an interim basis following the sacking of Thomas Frank in February - before he left the club by mutual consent.

Currently sat 17th in the Premier League standings, just one point clear of the drop zone with seven matches remaining in 2025/26, De Zerbi has a major task to turn the tide at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

And according to former Spurs goalkeeper, Friedel, the 46-year-old should skip trying to fine tune his tactics and instead devote his energy into instilling confidence in his squad should the club hope to compete in the English top flight next term.

Speaking exclusively to football.london via Gambling.com who review all slot sites UK, Friedel said: "They don't need a big tactics board at this moment in time.

"They need someone to give the best players the confidence to perform and get some points on the board. And I think whatever way they go, they should be getting at least two players back that are influential players from injury soon. And that'll help a lot because those players haven't been involved in a lot of the downfalls.

"So they'll be coming onto the pitch hopefully, maybe not with match fitness, but at least with the confidence of winning football matches and being involved in Champions League games and towards the upper half and the upper echelons of the Premier League table. So that's how I see it."

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He added: "When you're in a relegation battle, it becomes a much more difficult mental game than when you're fighting the top of the table. So I'm worried as an ex Tottenham guy.

"I am worried because it could happen that they’re relegated. So the coach that goes in, he's got some character building and confidence building.

"And one word that I haven't heard in a long time around Tottenham is enjoyment. He's got to get the players enjoying football. It's a game. Let's never forget that.

"The worst day of football is still the best day of your life when you're a player. You get to my age, you know that.

"And it hits you, how fun it was while you were playing. So somebody's got to go in there and get the smile back on the players' faces."

De Zerbi's first task as Spurs manager will be a tough trip to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland AFC come Sunday, April 12. De Zerbi will then face a visit to the AMEX Stadium against his former club Brighton just six days later, before a clash with Wolves on April 25 rounds of the month's run of fixtures.

Roberto De Zerbi has been appointed as Tottenham Hotspur's new manager after Igor Tudor's departure on Sunday, as he looks to steer the club away from relegation

Roberto De Zerbi promised to help Tottenham Hotspur climb the Premier League table as he was unveiled as the club's new manager on Tuesday.

The Italian is charged with guiding the Premier League outfit away from the looming spectre of relegation after his predecessor, interim boss Igor Tudor, was unable to ignite a spark within the team. Tudor left on Sunday following a brief 44-day stint and seven matches at the helm at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, failing to secure a single victory and amassing just one point from a possible 21.

De Zerbi, the 46-year-old ex-Brighton manager, only parted ways with Marseille in February and had been pinpointed as a prime target for the summer. However, Spurs have succeeded in persuading him to assume the role sooner as they strive to evade demotion from English football's premier division for the first time since 1977/78.

They sit just one point and one place above West Ham with seven fixtures remaining, which include crucial six-pointers against Wolves and Leeds who are also in serious danger of relegation. Upon his unveiling as the new head coach on Tuesday evening, De Zerbi said: "I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world.

"In all my discussions with the Club's leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear - to build a team capable of reaching great achievements, and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters. I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it.

"Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season. I'm looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that."

This follows reports revealing there is no relegation release clause within De Zerbi's five-year deal, indicating he will stay at the helm should Spurs drop into the Championship come May. He is also thought to become the Premier League's third-highest paid head coach, after Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.

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Spurs' sporting director Johan Lange said: "Roberto was our number one target for the summer and we are very pleased to be able to bring him in now. He is one of the most creative and forward-thinking coaches in world football, and brings with him a wealth of experience at the highest level, including in the Premier League."

Spurs have now lost three managers since May 2025, with Ange Postecoglou, Thomas Frank and Tudor all departing. The Europa League champions will be desperately hoping De Zerbi can deliver an instant impact to prevent an embarrassing drop to the second division.

However, De Zerbi's appointment has proved divisive amongst Spurs supporters due to his backing of Mason Greenwood at Marseille. The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust have confirmed they will oppose his appointment following member complaints, with certain fans threatening to boycott fixtures.

Greenwood faced accusations of attempted rape and assault, though all charges were withdrawn in February 2023. He left Manchester United to revive his career in Spain via a loan spell at Getafe before joining Marseille shortly after De Zerbi assumed control of the Ligue 1 club.

De Zerbi said while in France: "I don't want to get involved in anyone's private life. I don't even get into the private lives of my children, because I want to give everyone their freedom. All I can see is that Mason seems a good lad, he paid in a strong way for what happened.

"He has probably here found the right environment for him, which gave him affection, and held out its hand to him. When I look at him as a person, I feel sad for what happened in his life, without getting into the details. Because the person I know here is very different to the one that has been described, especially in England."