'Actions speak louder than words'
[BBC] As I try to reconcile my feelings of not wanting Roberto de Zerbi at Spurs with my equally strong feelings of not wanting us to get relegated, I'm curious to see how our new manager will get the best out of the players in our remaining seven games. A win against Sunderland is crucial for everyone concerned with the future of Tottenham Hotspur. Not only do we desperately need the points, but the performance and result will also determine the tone and direction the rest of this atrocious season takes.
After sharing the Italian's non-apology for his previous comments on Mason Greenwood – apologising for the possibility that you might have offended someone's feelings is not the same as saying sorry for what you actually said or did – the Spurs PR machine has been keen to flood the timeline with as much footage of De Zerbi on the grass with the squad as possible. Clearly, what happens in training matters. How quickly De Zerbi is able to organise and educate his players on shape, style, roles, responsibilities and other tactics will have a direct impact on his success and the club's survival in the Premier League.
He will face the same challenges as his predecessors: a squad devoid of confidence and leadership, a significant injury list including influential players, a board that will be assessing his every move, and a fanbase that is desperate to support the team, but has run out of patience and won't be shy about expressing our disapproval if we don't like what we see. If I was De Zerbi I would be identifying who holds the social capital in this group of players – whose sphere of influence is widest and strongest – and I would be securing their buy-in as soon as possible. Even if the fanbase is divided over his appointment, from a purely footballing perspective the squad must believe in De Zerbi, or we will be a Championship team next season.
Actions speak louder than words. It's time to let the football do the talking. Find more from Ali Speechly at Women Of The Lane and on Instagram