Paul Merson says Tottenham should spare no expense to convince Roberto De Zerbi to take charge immediately — arguing that any fee or contract would be money well spent if it keeps Spurs in the Premier League — but he also warns the squad may struggle to adapt quickly to the Italian’s demanding methods.
Spurs are negotiating with De Zerbi about the head coach role after Igor Tudor’s departure. Tottenham sit just one point above the relegation zone with seven matches remaining and have reportedly offered De Zerbi a long-term deal. The 46-year-old, who was a top target in the summer, was reluctant to step in mid-season but is now engaged in talks and appears open to the job.
Merson is unequivocal: do everything necessary to land him. He argues that preventing relegation for a club of Spurs’ size and commercial reach would justify any outlay. Beyond immediate lost broadcast income, Merson points to wider costs: reduced matchday and event revenue, scheduling complications for concerts and stadium use, and the reputational and operational upheaval relegation would cause. In that context, he says the price of hiring De Zerbi would be minor compared with the long-term damage of dropping out of the top flight.
However, Merson cautions that De Zerbi’s football is specific and exacting. The Italian’s system relies on technically capable centre-backs, disciplined positional structure, precise passing and an overall willingness to play expansive, possession-based football. Tottenham’s current squad, Merson believes, lacks confidence and may not possess the required profile across the board, making the transition tricky — especially with only seven games left to get results.
“You’re asking players to do things that aren’t easy,” Merson says, contrasting De Zerbi’s tactically intricate approach with simpler, more workmanlike systems. He questions whether there is enough time for players to internalise those standards under immediate relegation pressure.
Merson also defends De Zerbi against the idea that he would automatically shoulder blame if Spurs went down. He points out that player turnover, off-field decisions and the board’s appointments all factor into outcomes, and that responsibility shouldn’t fall solely on a manager brought in under difficult circumstances.
The tightness of the table means other results could rapidly change Tottenham’s position; a single away win elsewhere could drop them into the bottom three and intensify the pressure on any incoming coach.
Tottenham’s remaining fixtures:
– April 12: Sunderland (A) — Premier League, kickoff 2pm
– April 18: Brighton (H) — Premier League, kickoff 5.30pm
– April 25: Wolves (A) — Premier League, kickoff 3pm
– May 2: Aston Villa (A) — Premier League
– May 9: Leeds (H) — Premier League
– May 17: Chelsea (H) — Premier League
– May 24: Everton (H) — Premier League
If Spurs can persuade De Zerbi to arrive now, Merson believes it would signal ambition and give the club a genuine chance of survival — but only if the squad can adapt quickly to his exacting style and the club backs him fully.