AliousRoberto De Zerbi oversaw his first Tottenham training session on Good Friday after being appointed earlier in the week, though one key player was missing. However, there was a positive development as Mathys Tel returned to action.
De Zerbi opted to take charge immediately rather than wait until the summer, with Tottenham eager for their top managerial target to guide them away from relegation danger. The Italian now faces a crucial run of seven matches, with Spurs at risk of slipping into the drop zone ahead of their upcoming clash with Sunderland.
Results are urgently needed, as Tottenham have not secured a league victory since their win over Crystal Palace in late December. Previous managers, including Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor, struggled with injury setbacks, and De Zerbi will be hoping for better fortune as he attempts to steer the club clear of relegation to the Championship.
Despite the uncertainty, it has been confirmed that De Zerbi’s five-year contract does not include a relegation release clause, and he has stated he will remain in charge next season regardless of the club’s fate.
There is a belief that Mohammed Kudus could play a key role under De Zerbi, especially as the manager previously tried to sign him during his time at Brighton. However, the Ghana international was absent from the training session. Kudus has not featured since suffering a hamstring injury against Sunderland in early January, and although he was expected to return soon, his absence raises some concern—though he still has time to regain fitness ahead of the reverse fixture.
On a more positive note, Tel’s return to training provides a timely boost. The young forward had been forced off with a hip injury in the defeat to Nottingham Forest, but his quick recovery suggests he could be available for the upcoming trip to Sunderland, barring any setbacks.
Tel has previously hinted at difficulties under former boss Frank, but there is optimism he could thrive under De Zerbi’s attacking approach, with some believing the Frenchman is well-suited to flourish in the Italian’s system.
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