Former England international and TNT Sports pundit Karen Carney has suggested that Tottenham Hotspur might have had a far smoother season if they had appointed Roberto De Zerbi earlier.
Spurs have struggled through a chaotic 2025/26 campaign, drifting perilously close to relegation due to inconsistent results, injuries to key players, and multiple managerial changes. The North London club only turned to De Zerbi in late March after parting ways with Igor Tudor, making him their third permanent manager of the season.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Carney argued that Tottenham may have avoided their current position near the bottom of the Premier League table had De Zerbi been brought in sooner.
She believes the former Brighton boss has already lifted the atmosphere at the club with his attacking approach, confidence, and ability to reconnect the squad with the fans.
His influence has become evident in recent weeks despite Spurs’ difficult situation. Goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky recently credited De Zerbi with restoring belief in the dressing room, saying the players now feel more confident under his guidance. The Italian ended Tottenham’s 16-match winless league run with a crucial victory over Wolves before overseeing an impressive display against Aston Villa. His high-pressing style and positive mindset have quickly drawn praise from sections of the fanbase.
De Zerbi, however, has dismissed excuses during the club’s relegation battle. Ahead of the Villa clash, he urged his players to stop dwelling on injuries and negativity, insisting the squad still has enough quality to stay up comfortably.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion and Olympique de Marseille manager stressed that Tottenham must “fight” rather than feel sorry for themselves—a mentality Carney believes should have been instilled much earlier.
Spurs remain locked in a tense survival battle, but their recent performances have given supporters renewed belief that De Zerbi can still steer the club to safety and lay the foundations for a stronger future.
