Only one player is unhappy about the upcoming appointment of Roberto De Zerbi.

Only one player is unhappy about the upcoming appointment of Roberto De Zerbi.

Tottenham Hotspur’s turbulent managerial saga has taken yet another dramatic twist, and the atmosphere surrounding the club suggests that players may already be preparing themselves for a new era under Roberto De Zerbi.

In recent weeks, Tottenham have endured instability both on and off the pitch following the departures of two very different but equally controversial figures. Reports indicated that Thomas Frank had gradually alienated sections of the dressing room during his time in charge. His methods and communication style were said to have created a divide within the squad, ultimately contributing to his exit from the club.

The situation did not improve under Frank’s successor, Igor Tudor, whose intense and uncompromising style also appeared to cause friction behind the scenes. Tudor’s tenure was marked by several tense moments, but none drew more attention than the dramatic incident in Madrid involving young goalkeeper Antonín Kinský.

During that chaotic night, Tudor made the astonishing decision to substitute Kinský just 17 minutes into the match after a difficult start. The moment quickly became symbolic of the strained relationship between the coach and his players. As the visibly shaken goalkeeper walked off the pitch, Tudor reportedly refused to acknowledge him, a gesture that did not sit well with several members of the squad and added to the perception that his management style lacked empathy.

Now Tottenham appear ready to turn the page, and all signs point toward De Zerbi becoming the man tasked with rescuing the club from its current crisis. Known across European football for his passionate personality and uncompromising tactical beliefs, the Italian is not a coach who bends easily. If appointed, De Zerbi is expected to demand absolute commitment to his philosophy. Players who fail to adapt to his high-intensity style and strict tactical instructions could quickly find themselves out of the starting lineup.

However, early indications suggest the Tottenham squad may actually welcome his arrival.

According to reports from The Times, several Tottenham players who remained in London during the international break recently met for dinner over the weekend. During that gathering, the topic of De Zerbi’s potential appointment naturally surfaced. Rather than concern or hesitation, the mood among the players was reportedly one of genuine excitement.

The report claims that many within the dressing room are intrigued by the prospect of working under the fiery Italian, whose reputation for attacking football and tactical innovation earned widespread admiration during his spell at Brighton & Hove Albion.

That early support could prove crucial.

Tottenham currently find themselves in an extremely dangerous position near the bottom of the Premier League table, and any new manager stepping into the role will have very little time to steady the ship. For De Zerbi, gaining the trust of the squad from day one would be vital if Spurs are to mount a successful fight for survival.

The club’s recent managerial choices have left supporters frustrated and anxious. Frank’s appointment after the departure of Ange Postecoglou was widely viewed as underwhelming at the time, while Tudor’s short spell quickly descended into chaos and disappointment.

Tottenham cannot afford another misstep.

Interestingly, De Zerbi was already approached once before as a possible replacement for Postecoglou, but at that time the Italian opted not to pursue the opportunity. Circumstances, however, now appear to have changed.

There may still be some reason for caution. When De Zerbi first arrived at Brighton, his early results were far from spectacular. The team failed to win any of his first five matches in charge, prompting early doubts about whether his complex system would work in the Premier League.

Yet patience eventually paid off. Brighton soon flourished under his guidance, producing some of the most exciting football in the league and establishing themselves as one of the most tactically impressive teams in England.

Tottenham supporters will be hoping for a similar transformation.

If the players truly are as enthusiastic about De Zerbi’s arrival as reports suggest, Spurs could gain the immediate unity and momentum they desperately need. With the dressing room fully behind him, the Italian manager would have a fighting chance not only to steer the club away from relegation danger this season, but also to lay the foundations for a much-needed rebuild in the months ahead.

For a club that has stumbled through months of instability and disappointment, De Zerbi might just represent the bold reset Tottenham have been searching for.