Roberto De Zerbi is facing mounting criticism over Tottenham’s difficult start, with former France international Christophe Dugarry launching a brutal attack on the Spurs manager.
De Zerbi had already attracted criticism in Italy following Tottenham’s 0-0 draw with Everton, when he sarcastically suggested his team’s consecutive clean sheets would have earned him greater praise in Serie A.
Italian newspaper Il Messaggero responded by mocking the former Brighton boss and challenging him to focus on winning matches.
Now the criticism has spread to France, where Dugarry has questioned De Zerbi’s credentials, behaviour and five-year Tottenham contract.
Dugarry Launches Brutal De Zerbi Attack
Dugarry, who watched De Zerbi closely during his time at Marseille, delivered a remarkable assessment while speaking to RMC.
“He signed for five years, the heist he pulls off, without the balaclava,” Dugarry said. “It’s insane!”
The former France international questioned whether De Zerbi has ever demonstrated that he belongs among the elite level of coaches.
“I never understood what this man’s true level was,” he continued. “I’m told he did well at Brighton, Sassuolo and I don’t remember where else.
“For me, he’s not an absolute benchmark for coaching big clubs. He had his chance. For now, he’s struggling to seize it.”
Dugarry was equally unimpressed by De Zerbi's recent public comments and his animated exchange with Mathys Tel on the pitch following the Everton draw.
He described the Tottenham manager as “completely out of it” before questioning why those around him had not encouraged him to tone down his public statements.
“It’s astounding to have so little lucidity about what you say,” Dugarry added. “Isn’t there anyone around him who’s going to tell him: ‘Just shut up!’?”
Tottenham Results Increasing Pressure
The criticism comes at a difficult moment for De Zerbi.
Tottenham have shown greater defensive resilience recently, recording consecutive clean sheets, but their attacking problems have become increasingly difficult to ignore.
Ultimately, De Zerbi's tactical philosophy will be judged on results.
His ideas have earned plenty of admiration throughout his managerial career, but Tottenham need those principles to translate into victories if he is to silence his growing number of critics.
The Italian helped Spurs avoid relegation last season and was subsequently handed the opportunity to lead the club forward on a long-term basis.
That provides important context, but expectations have now changed.
De Zerbi needs to demonstrate that he can adapt when necessary and find a way to turn Tottenham's improved defensive organisation into winning performances.
Key Points
- Christophe Dugarry has launched a fierce attack on Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi.
- Dugarry described De Zerbi's five-year Spurs contract as a “heist” and questioned his credentials at elite clubs.
- De Zerbi was already facing criticism in Italy following his sarcastic comments about Serie A after the Everton draw.
- His public exchange with Mathys Tel and recent media comments have also been criticised.
- Tottenham's results will ultimately determine whether De Zerbi can silence the growing criticism.
What’s Next?
De Zerbi's clearest response will have to come on the pitch.
Tottenham need to turn their defensive improvement into victories and rediscover their attacking threat. If results improve, criticism surrounding De Zerbi's comments and behaviour will quickly lose significance. If they do not, scrutiny of both his methods and Tottenham's decision to hand him a five-year contract will only intensify.
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