Former Tottenham defender Sebastien Bassong has backed Roberto De Zerbi to turn Spurs’ fortunes around this season after the Lilywhites’ slow start to their Premier League campaign.
It has been a far-from-perfect start to the 26-27 Premier League season for Tottenham Hotspur, who find themselves in 18th place after three matches.
The Lilywhites have yet to get into a rhythm, are without a win in their opening three games in the Premier League and have yet to score a single goal.
Still, former Tottenham man Sebastien Bassong is adamant there is nothing to be concerned about just yet.
Sebastien Bassong explains why Tottenham fans should not worry yet
Speaking to Premier Bet, Bassong revealed why he remains confident in Tottenham despite their difficult start to the season, while also highlighting the key challenge facing Roberto De Zerbi as he looks to build a strong team from the players now at his disposal.
The former Spurs defender believes De Zerbi’s ability to connect with his players on a personal level could be crucial, particularly after the manager had to deal with an emergency last season and focus more on the human side of management.
“The main thing is, are they going to be able to create a strong team and a strong unit with those players? You’ve got to break things down. Roberto De Zerbi, with the work he did last season, it was an emergency situation. He came in when it wasn’t about tactics, it was just man-to-man. Being a people person, can he be the one who is going to get through to the players and give them just enough self-belief to get over the line and save the club?
“That’s what he did brilliantly. Today, it’s a different ballgame, and I think he knows it himself, he said it openly. Now he’s had the players that he wanted to bring in, so it’s up to him to create that group unity. I think he can, because the good thing with him is that he’s a people person.”
Bassong reveals what Spurs players think of De Zerbi
The former Spurs man also revealed that he has spoken to Tottenham players about the new boss, offering an insight into how the squad has responded to De Zerbi since his arrival.
He said: “As a player, we’re so emotional that sometimes, especially nowadays with the new generation, you need a manager who can really connect with you as a human being.
“Roberto De Zerbi is really good at that, and I think that’s the main avenue for him to apply the new principles he wants for the players. If he can’t get through to them on the human side, his ‘De Zerbi-ball’ is not going to be effective.
“He knows that. Having been at the training ground so many times this summer, I know the players are really happy about their relationship with the manager.
“Obviously, in a couple of weeks, some of them might not be as happy, but overall I think he’s had a great impact on the squad.”