Roberto De Zerbi has taken charge of Tottenham Hotspur, and his appointment has sparked a wave of praise from some of the biggest names in football. The Italian manager, known for his unique playing style and emotional approach, has been hailed as one of the best in the world by several high-profile figures.
Here's a closer look at the comments that have been made about De Zerbi, and why they matter.
Pep Guardiola
"Roberto is one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years," said Guardiola, praising De Zerbi's impact at Brighton. "There is no team playing the way they play - it's unique. I had the feeling when he arrived the impact he would have in the Premier League would be great - I didn't expect him to do it in this short space of time."
Guardiola's admiration for De Zerbi's unique style and his ability to create chances and monopolize the ball is evident. The comparison to Guardiola himself highlights the high regard in which De Zerbi is held.
Arne Slot
Slot, the manager of Liverpool, described De Zerbi as "one of the best coaches in the world." He praised De Zerbi's ability to coach a big team, citing his work at Marseille and Brighton. Slot's respect for De Zerbi's playing style and player development is clear, and he believes De Zerbi is a strong candidate for a top club.
Luis Enrique
Enrique, the manager of PSG, called De Zerbi a "great coach" and one of the best in the league. He admired De Zerbi's mentality and his team's ability to command the pitch, press high, and fight for possession. Enrique's respect for De Zerbi's tactical approach and emotional engagement is evident.
Jurgen Klopp
Klopp, the former manager of Liverpool, praised De Zerbi's ability to get his team playing in his way quickly. He acknowledged the difficulty of playing against Brighton and the need to have more possession. Klopp's respect for De Zerbi's playing style and its demands on players is clear.
Medhi Benatia
Benatia, the head of football at Marseille and a former Juventus defender, described De Zerbi as having a "touch of Pep Guardiola" in him. He praised De Zerbi's passion, energy, and ability to prepare matches, and his willingness to work at any hour. Benatia's respect for De Zerbi's dedication and intensity is evident.
Joao Pedro
Pedro, who played under De Zerbi at Brighton, called him one of the top three managers in the world. He admired De Zerbi's approach to coaching and his ability to push players to improve. Pedro's respect for De Zerbi's playing style and his impact on the team is clear.
Tony Bloom
Bloom, the chairman of Brighton, praised De Zerbi's track record and his ability to improve players. He highlighted De Zerbi's tactical abilities, risk-taking, and ability to create opportunities. Bloom's appreciation for De Zerbi's impact on the team and his playing style is evident.
Adam Lallana
Lallana, a former Brighton player, expressed confidence in De Zerbi's ability to keep Tottenham up. He compared De Zerbi to Klopp in terms of passion and love for the game, and praised his intelligence and inspirational nature. Lallana's respect for De Zerbi's leadership and playing style is clear.
Lewis Dunk
Dunk, a Brighton star, revealed the initial adjustment challenges when De Zerbi joined. He described the transition as "baffling" and "horrendous," but acknowledged the positive impact on his understanding of the game. Dunk's appreciation for De Zerbi's playing style and its impact on his own game is evident.
Sandro
Sandro, a former Tottenham midfielder, expressed his belief that De Zerbi would be a successful manager at Tottenham. He praised De Zerbi's passion, vision, and intelligence, and his ability to improve players. Sandro's respect for De Zerbi's leadership and playing style is clear, and he believes De Zerbi will be a valuable addition to the club.
