Football fans across South Africa are bracing themselves for a thrilling climax to the English Premier League season, as Tottenham Hotspur welcomes its third boss of the season, Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian’s appointment comes with just seven games left to salvage what has been a turbulent season for the London club. But why De Zerbi, and what can South African Spurs fans expect from him?
Who is Roberto De Zerbi?
Roberto De Zerbi, the former Sassuolo manager, is a disciple of the Pep Guardiola school of football. His teams are known for their positional play and high-pressing strategies. But to label De Zerbi as another Guardiola would be a gross oversimplification of his footballing philosophy. He has taken Guardiola’s principles and added his own unique twists, creating a brand of football that is as attractive as it is effective.
What Can South African Spurs Fans Expect?
De Zerbi’s teams are known to play a style of football that is both entertaining and aggressive, something that should excite Spurs fans in South Africa. He favours a possession-based style, preferring to control games rather than sitting back and reacting to the opposition. This approach could be a breath of fresh air for a Tottenham side that has often seemed directionless this season.
However, De Zerbi’s appointment is not without risk. His possession-heavy approach relies heavily on the players understanding their roles within the system. This could take time, something that is in short supply with just seven games left in the season. Additionally, De Zerbi has never managed in the English Premier League before, and the unique challenges it presents could prove difficult to navigate.
A South African Connection?
While there might not be a direct South African connection with De Zerbi, his appointment could have implications for South African players in the Premier League. His proactive style of play could be a good fit for the likes of Percy Tau, who has struggled for game time at Brighton this season. Could a move to Tottenham be on the cards in the near future?
Regardless of what happens, the remainder of the season promises to be an exciting one for South African Spurs fans. With De Zerbi at the helm, there’s every chance that Tottenham could finish the season on a high note. But as always in football, only time will tell.
Source: BBC Sport
