Gus Poyet Backs De Zerbi To Save Spurs But Warns Players Must Step Up
Gus Poyet believes Roberto De Zerbi can keep Tottenham in the Premier League but has warned the squad that survival will only come through a collective shift in mentality after a disastrous campaign at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The former Spurs midfielder, who made over 100 appearances for the north London club, acknowledges the appointment came at a difficult time but is convinced De Zerbi's Premier League pedigree makes him the right man to drag the club out of trouble, despite most betting sites having them odds-on for relegation.
Speaking exclusively to Gambling.com, Poyet pulled no punches when assessing what has gone wrong this season and what needs to change if Spurs are to beat the drop.
De Zerbi The Right Choice Despite Timing
Spurs turned to the former Brighton boss after Igor Tudor failed to arrest a slide that has left the club battling relegation, and Poyet believes the Italian's track record in England gives him an immediate advantage.
"Time will tell, but De Zerbi is a top coach and if Spurs can stay in the Premier League, he can be an excellent choice for the future," he said.
However, Poyet did not shy away from highlighting his concern about the lack of any positive response under Tudor, something almost unheard of when a new manager takes charge.
"You see a new manager bounce usually, but under Tudor, this never came at all, so it is a concern," he admitted.
That worry makes De Zerbi's appointment all the more important in Poyet's eyes.
The Italian transformed Brighton into one of the most exciting sides in the division during his time on the south coast, and Poyet feels that experience of getting results in this league should not be underestimated.
"You have to think De Zerbi is a good choice here because of showing he is a top coach in what he has done in the Premier League before," he added.
No One Player Can Save Spurs
When asked which individual could be the key to Tottenham's survival, Poyet's answer was blunt.
"Everyone. It's not just one player."
Poyet pointed to last season as evidence that the problems at the club run deeper than any single performer.
Spurs chose to prioritise the Europa League and were rewarded with a trophy, but the cost was a league campaign that stuttered badly and set the tone for this season's struggles.
The players who lifted that trophy in Bilbao have not been able to replicate that form domestically, and Poyet believes only a united dressing room can change the campaign's trajectory.
"It must happen collectively that the team prove they can win football matches," he said. "They must all have improved mentality; they must then show consistency from now until the end of the season."
The Run-In
Spurs currently sit 18th in the Premier League table and are priced at around 5/6 with betting apps to go down, with five games of the season remaining.
De Zerbi's first task is to steady the ship and pick up points against sides in and around them, but Poyet's message is clear - it will take every player in the squad buying in for that to happen.
The Europa League triumph last May proved this group is capable of delivering in big moments. Whether they can find that same togetherness in a relegation fight will define Tottenham's season.
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