Christophe Dugarry did not hold back on his criticism of Roberto De Zerbi, questioning the length of the manager’s contract amid Tottenham’s struggles.
Towards the end of last season, Tottenham were reportedly close to sacking Igor Tudor following a brief but disastrous run of results. After the Croat’s dismissal, Spurs held talks with Roberto De Zerbi over becoming their new manager. The club had also attempted to bring the Italian back to the Premier League earlier in the campaign.
Following extensive negotiations, Tottenham reportedly found themselves in a difficult position when faced with De Zerbi’s demands. In the end, the Italian tactician was appointed on a five-year contract, with reports also claiming that the former Marseille manager received a substantial salary.
The decision initially appeared to pay off, as De Zerbi helped Tottenham avoid relegation from the Premier League. At the time, appointing him seemed like the right choice. However, the opening weeks of the new season have painted a different picture, with the Italian struggling to make an impact.
Dugarry criticises De Zerbi
Former Barcelona forward Christophe Dugarry has launched a scathing attack on De Zerbi. Speaking to Goal via RMC Sport, he questioned Tottenham’s decision to offer the Italian a five-year contract and cast doubt on whether he has the credentials to manage a major club.
Dugarry said, “I have never really understood how good he actually is. They tell me he did well at Brighton, Sassuolo and other clubs, but for me, he is still not a guarantee when it comes to coaching big teams. He signed a five-year contract. What he has done is a genuine robbery without even needing to wear a mask. It is incredible.”
Dugarry’s comments stem from Tottenham’s difficult start to the Premier League season. De Zerbi has not only failed to win a league match, but Spurs have also failed to score in almost 400 minutes of Premier League football.
The pressure is therefore growing on the Italian tactician to get more from his squad, particularly after Tottenham’s significant spending during the summer transfer window. The club’s hopes of returning to European competition already appear increasingly uncertain, while they were eliminated from the EFL Cup by Liverpool on Tuesday evening.
Dugarry’s criticism of De Zerbi’s long-term contract is understandable, as Tottenham may have placed themselves in a difficult position by committing to such a lengthy agreement. Given the pressure that comes with the role, there is no guarantee of security for the manager. However, if Spurs decide to end De Zerbi’s reign, they could face a significant compensation bill, which would place further strain on Tottenham’s finances.