‘Highest challenge’ – Unai Emery makes big prediction about Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham

Add as preferred source on Google

Unai Emery has reflected on the challenge that Tottenham Hotspur will pose for his side and has revealed what he thinks about Roberto De Zerbi’s attempts to keep the Lilywhites up in the Premier League.

Spurs are running out of games to avoid the ultimate disaster, with Opta’s Supercomputer now considering Tottenham massive favourites to go down alongside Burnley and Wolves.

The Lilywhites trail by two points with four games to go, but the Spurs boss is not prepared to throw in his towel just yet.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
16	Nottingham ForestNottingham Forest	34	10	9	15	41	45	-4	39
17	West HamWest Ham	34	9	9	16	42	58	-16	36
18	TottenhamTottenham	34	8	10	16	43	53	-10	34
19	BurnleyBurnley	35	4	8	23	35	71	-36	20
20	WolvesWolves	34	3	8	23	24	62	-38	17

In his pre-match press conference, De Zerbi made a passionate plea suggesting that Tottenham have the quality to stay up, calling on his players to leave everything on the pitch in their final four games rather than believing the negativity.

Unai Emery expects a very difficult match against Tottenham

Emery has already warned Tottenham that his side’s full focus is on winning tomorrow rather than having half an eye on the Europa League semifinal.

The Villa boss has now revealed that he expects his side to have a difficult match against the Lilywhites, but he suggested that De Zerbi needs time to implement his tactical ideas at his new club.

Speaking ahead of the big showdown at Villa Park, Emery said (via Villa’s official website): “Each match in the Premier League is very difficult. They have very good players and they have a very good coach. Maybe they will need time to set the tactical things he did in Brighton, which were really fantastic.

“I think he will do it, but now they are trying to escape the bottom and they need points more than playing in a strong structure or idea he is usually doing. They have experienced players, good players, and I expect a very difficult match.

“I expect in 90 minutes to play competing in our best way, tactically and in our structure through the players individually and collectively. Villa Park is something we must use, pushing us to win the match.”

Emery believes De Zerbi has walked into the biggest challenge of his career at Spurs

The Spaniard believes that the new Tottenham head coach faces the biggest challenge of his managerial career in trying to keep the North London club in the top flight.

However, Emery is confident that, given time, De Zerbi is certain to build a formidable team at Tottenham, which plays in his trademark style.

The Villa boss added about his opposite number: “De Zerbi has maybe the highest challenge of his career, to try and save them. With time, he’s going to build a strong team with his idea and style, making an impact.

“He did it here with Brighton and as well in Marseille. He has only coached three matches with Tottenham, and he will need time. The most important thing for them is to try to compete and escape from the bottom. He will get success during his time with Tottenham, I’m sure.”

READ MORE: ‘Compete for titles’ – Louis Saha gives Tottenham relegation verdict as West Ham United battle heats up