If there is any manager who epitomises “To Dare is To Do”, it is Roberto De Zerbi.
The front‑footed head coach has now had over a week with his new Tottenham squad and will have a clear idea of how hard it will be to ensure the club remain in the Premier League. From the outside it is an attractive job, but inside the players are low on confidence and affected by injuries. De Zerbi will feel there is still enough to stave off relegation.
The Spurs players have been lifted by his arrival, and it is understood they have enjoyed the first training sessions under the Italian. That positivity will be tested on Sunday in De Zerbi’s first game in charge as Spurs travel to Sunderland, live on Sky Sports. Tottenham could even be in the relegation zone by kick‑off if West Ham beat bottom‑side Wolves on Friday.
De Zerbi holds his first press conference on Friday and will update whether goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is fit enough to start. Vicario underwent hernia surgery over the international break and was expected to return within a month, so he is in serious doubt for Sunday. It is likely Antonin Kinsky will start, playing for the first time since his 17th‑minute substitution in the Champions League last‑16 first leg at Atletico Madrid last month; De Zerbi must lift the 23‑year‑old’s confidence.
Defence
In front of the goalkeeper, De Zerbi is likely to use a back four of Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie. De Zerbi could favour Udogie, his fellow countryman, ahead of Djed Spence at left‑back, a decision that will be noted.
Midfield
Midfield selection is an intriguing call. Lucas Bergvall has been pictured with De Zerbi in training and could benefit from the new coach’s arrival. I expect Bergvall to start alongside teenager Archie Gray, who was the standout performer under Igor Tudor. That said, Joao Palhinha — on loan from Bayern Munich and top for tackles in the Premier League this season — offers bite and experience and could be chosen if De Zerbi wants greater defensive steel. My prediction is Gray and Bergvall in a double pivot for the short term.
Attack and formation
De Zerbi is likely to set up in a 4‑2‑3‑1. Xavi Simons, who scored twice in the Champions League win over Atletico Madrid but was inexplicably dropped for the 3‑0 loss to Nottingham Forest, could be handed the No.10 role where he is most effective. Spurs lack creativity with Dejan Kulusevski expected to miss the rest of the season and James Maddison still recovering from an ACL injury, so Simons looks set for a big role under De Zerbi.
On the right, Mathys Tel will hope to be fit after picking up an injury against Forest; if not, Randal Kolo Muani could step in. On the left, Mohammed Kudus remains about a week from return, so Richarlison should start there. Up front, Dominic Solanke is likely to lead the line despite an underwhelming international break with England.
Predicted XI (4‑2‑3‑1)
Antonin Kinsky; Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie; Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall; Xavi Simons; Mathys Tel (or Randal Kolo Muani), Richarlison; Dominic Solanke.
Tactics and the short term
There has been debate about whether De Zerbi can implement his aggressive, front‑footed style quickly. Sky Sports News reports he recognises he cannot overcomplicate things in the current situation and will simplify tactics to maximise short‑term returns. His immediate priority is to give the players confidence, and a first league win of 2026 would go a long way to solving the morale problem; Spurs have not won in the Premier League this calendar year and one victory could spark a run.
A key test will be getting defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven focused amid speculation over their futures. Both have been affected by transfer talk, and this week Romero’s father spoke of a release clause in his contract — Sky Sports News understands no such clause exists. If De Zerbi can refocus the pair on the here and now, Spurs have a stronger chance of turning results around.
Tottenham’s dire position reflects a club in crisis. Managers, board decisions and players can be blamed, but the immediate and only focus must be Premier League survival. Achieve that, and investigations and reviews can follow. Tottenham simply cannot be relegated, and it is now up to De Zerbi to prevent this. Strap in — this could be one hell of a ride under the passionate Italian.