Cristian Stellini has lavished praise on Roberto De Zerbi ahead of Tottenham’s clash against Brighton, admitting that the Seagulls boss has improved considerably as a manager over the last few years.
While Brighton were a solid outfit under Graham Potter, De Zerbi has taken the team to the next level since taking over last September, with the South Coast club drastically improving their goal output under the Italian.
His side come to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium unbeaten in seven matches across all competitions and will undoubtedly pose a stern test to the Lilywhites.
Stellini has gone up against De Zerbi during his playing days when the former was playing in Bari’s defence and the latter was upfront for Avellino.
When asked about locking horns with his compatriot on the pitch, the Spurs interim head coach told Football.London: “When he was a player he was aggressive. I challenged him sometimes and he was really aggressive.
“He was a good number 10 striker. He was good technically but very aggressive in the way he played and also talented.
“I don’t know how he is like a manager. I met him sometimes but I didn’t speak a lot with him. For sure his results were every time good results.
“He gave to his team a good characteristic. He’s very strong in the way he wants to play.”
Stellini admitted that De Zerbi has built on the good work that Potter had done at the Amex Stadium, and that he has proven his coaching metal since arriving in the Premier League.
The 48-year-old continued: “I think De Zerbi is not fluid (tactically) like Potter. De Zerbi is more a manager consistent in the way he wants to hurt the opponent.
“He is more focused with the ball and what they can do with the ball and being aggressive when they lose the ball.
“Potter was more fluid in the change of system but the players are smart to do it. You have to create an intelligent player to do it.”
“He improved a lot. He has a great personality like a manager and he arrive here in a new country and quickly he put his sign on his team.
“That is not easy for everyone and De Zerbi show also in England, in the Premier League he is a great manager.”
The characteristics that Stellini lists are perhaps one of the reasons why the Brighton man is reportedly thought to be on Tottenham’s wishlist to take over in the summer (Telegraph).
When asked if the 43-year-old will eventually take charge of one of the Premier League’s established big clubs, Stellini responded: “I hope for him, but I don’t know.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Reading between the lines, it seems like Stellini feels that De Zerbi has been given a huge helping hand by the base that was already created by Graham Potter at Brighton.
I personally rate the Seagulls boss very highly, both tactically and in terms of man management.
I feel that the 43-year-old should be Tottenham’s top target and that we should pull out all the stops to get him if Nagelsmann proves to be out of our reach.