Top Manager Already Interested in De Zerbi’s Tottenham Job
It is a situation Roberto De Zerbi would have desperately wanted to avoid, but Tottenham Hotspur have now entered the international break facing mounting pressure after another disappointing Premier League result.
Saturday’s defeat to Aston Villa once again exposed many of the problems that have followed Spurs during the opening weeks of the campaign. Tottenham started the match with plenty of energy and attacking intent, but once Villa found a way back into the contest, the Lilywhites struggled to respond and eventually collapsed under the pressure.
That pattern has become increasingly familiar.
Tottenham have often looked dangerous during the early stages of games, showing flashes of the attacking football De Zerbi wants to establish. However, the moment something goes against them, their confidence appears to disappear and their structure begins to fall apart.
The latest defeat has now left Spurs with their worst start to a Premier League season after five matches. Considering the club’s difficult campaigns in recent seasons, including consecutive 17th-place finishes, the statistic will be particularly worrying for everyone connected with Tottenham.
The international break therefore arrives at a crucial moment for the club.
After the Aston Villa defeat, De Zerbi called on the senior players and leaders within his dressing room to take responsibility and help the team through its difficult period. However, questions are inevitably beginning to emerge about the manager himself.
Why De Zerbi Is Coming Under Increasing Pressure
De Zerbi deserves credit for helping Tottenham avoid another disastrous campaign last season, but his position now comes under greater scrutiny because of the enormous backing he received during the summer transfer window.
The Tottenham hierarchy provided the Italian coach with significant financial support and allowed him to reshape the squad according to his vision. With major investment going into the team, expectations naturally increased.
The problem is that the performances have not yet matched that investment.
There are also questions about whether De Zerbi’s personality and managerial approach are the right fit for a club going through such a turbulent period.
The Italian has always been known for demanding a huge amount from his players and for having strong opinions about how his teams should operate. During his previous managerial appointments, there were periods when disagreements and tensions became public.
His time at Brighton, for example, eventually ended after disagreements with the club’s hierarchy over several issues, including recruitment and the direction of the team. His spell in France also contained a number of difficult moments both on and off the pitch.
When results are positive, De Zerbi’s passionate personality can become one of his biggest strengths. His teams can play fearless, aggressive and entertaining football.
But when results turn against him, that same intensity can create another layer of pressure.
And Tottenham are currently experiencing exactly that situation.
Tottenham’s Team Selection Also Raising Questions
Another issue that has attracted attention is De Zerbi’s use of some of Tottenham’s biggest summer signings.
Mateus Fernandes, who arrived for a reported £85m, has been used in a number 10 role despite questions about whether that position best suits his qualities.
The lack of a settled starting XI has also become noticeable.
Players have been moved around the pitch, combinations have changed from one match to another, and Spurs have yet to establish the consistency expected from a team that spent heavily during the summer.
Of course, injuries and fitness issues can play a role in team selection, but the lack of stability has nevertheless become a talking point.
Ultimately, De Zerbi remains responsible for finding the right formula.
Since replacing Igor Tudor, he has managed only three Premier League victories so far. With Tottenham struggling again at the beginning of another campaign, it is understandable that speculation about his long-term future has already started.
The next few weeks could therefore be extremely important.
Who Could Replace De Zerbi If Spurs Make a Change?
Tottenham now have an extended period without Premier League football to reflect on their situation before returning to action.
Attention will eventually turn toward the huge meeting with Manchester United, a match that already carries enormous importance for both clubs.
United have also endured a difficult beginning to the campaign, meaning the clash has the ingredients of a major pressure game for both managers.
Another defeat for Tottenham could inevitably intensify the conversation surrounding De Zerbi and force the club’s hierarchy to consider alternative options.
There are several high-profile managers who could potentially become available or attract interest if Spurs decide that a change is necessary.
Julian Nagelsmann is one name who has previously been linked with Tottenham. The German coach has worked at Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich and has also managed the German national team.
His tactical reputation and previous experience at some of Europe’s biggest clubs would make him an interesting candidate, although his lack of Premier League experience would also represent a significant adjustment.
Eddie Howe could also be an option.
The Englishman has already demonstrated that he can build a competitive Premier League side, particularly during his time at Newcastle United. His work at Bournemouth also established his reputation as a coach capable of developing players and building a team over several years.
There are also other familiar names who could enter the conversation, including Thomas Frank and Antonio Conte, both of whom have extensive Premier League experience.
However, there is another candidate with a strong connection to Tottenham who could potentially attract attention.
Could Kieran McKenna Be Tottenham’s Next Pochettino?
The upcoming Manchester United fixture has already generated plenty of speculation, with some supporters jokingly referring to the clash as an “El Sackico” because of the pressure surrounding both clubs.
That speculation has naturally led to discussions about potential replacements.
One particularly interesting name is Kieran McKenna.
McKenna has previously been linked with Tottenham and has an existing connection with the club after working within their academy setup before moving into senior coaching.
His coaching career took a major step forward at Ipswich Town, where he helped transform the club and guide them through the English football pyramid.
His attacking philosophy and emphasis on proactive football have also drawn comparisons with Mauricio Pochettino.
McKenna worked at Tottenham during Pochettino’s era and was exposed to the Argentine’s methods while developing his own coaching philosophy.
That connection could make him an intriguing option for Spurs if the club eventually decides to move in a different direction.
McKenna’s spell at Ipswich was particularly impressive. He helped the club secure multiple promotions and established them as a side capable of competing at a much higher level.
His first season back in the Premier League proved more difficult, however, as Ipswich struggled to adapt to the demands of top-flight football.
That experience could nevertheless prove valuable.
Rather than simply seeing his Premier League struggles as a negative, Tottenham could view them as part of the learning curve of a young manager who is still developing.
At just 40 years old, McKenna potentially represents the type of long-term project Tottenham have previously embraced.
A Potential New Era at Tottenham?
The biggest question for Spurs is whether they continue to back De Zerbi and give him time to turn things around or whether the club begins preparing for a change.
There is still plenty of football to be played, and one poor opening to a season does not automatically determine what happens over the following months.
However, Tottenham’s recent league position, their inconsistent performances and the huge financial investment made during the summer mean the pressure will naturally increase if results do not improve.
For De Zerbi, the challenge is now clear.
He needs to find consistency, establish a reliable starting XI, get his major signings performing at their best and, most importantly, start winning Premier League matches.
The international break gives him valuable time to work with his coaching staff and assess what needs to change.
But if Spurs return from the break and continue dropping points, the conversation surrounding his future could become impossible to ignore.
Kieran McKenna would certainly be an intriguing name if Tottenham eventually decide to look for a new direction. His knowledge of the club, attacking philosophy and experience rebuilding Ipswich make him a manager worth keeping an eye on.
For now, however, the focus remains on De Zerbi.
Tottenham invested heavily in him during the summer, and the next few matches could determine whether that decision begins to look like the foundation of a long-term project — or the beginning of another managerial gamble at N17.
