Roberto De Zerbi Takes Charge of Tottenham to Avoid Premier League Relegation

De Zerbi arrives with seven games left, Tottenham one point above the relegation zone.

“Clubs at risk of relegation tend to hire pragmatic coaches”

BBC

His attacking, possession-based style contrasts with pragmatic coaches typically hired in relegation battles.

BBC

His system relies on smart, technical players executing quick passing routines to draw opponents in and then exploit spaces.

The London Evening Standard described his build-up play as plotting out the shape of a letter 'S'.

Former Spurs player Alan Hutton cautioned it would be a risk to implement the whole thing instantly.

Only two of De Zerbi's seven key staff will join for the final seven games.

Mohammed Kudus could return before the end of April after a hamstring injury.

Daily Mail

Kudus was a shining light before his absence, with one goal and five assists in seven games.

Kudus will become a key player for De Zerbi during the run-in and for years to come.

Nottingham Forest's 3-0 win took them three points away from the drop zone.

“De Zerbi was hired during the international break after the departure of caretaker manager Igor Tudor, who lasted only a few weeks after succeeding Thomas Frank”

Flashscore

Forest have improved defensively and have reasons to be positive about their attack.

Leeds have a relatively favourable run-in but face injury concerns.

Tottenham had only generated more expected goals than their opponents once in the past 10 games.