Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has delivered a confident verdict on the club’s future under Roberto De Zerbi, predicting an immediate return to the Premier League’s top six despite two consecutive seasons of relegation scraps.
“They Were So Lucky”
Redknapp hasn’t held back in his assessment of Spurs’ recent plight, describing the team as “shocking, absolutely shocking” and admitting they were fortunate to avoid the drop. He pointed to a crucial late-season win over an under-strength Aston Villa side — who rested players ahead of a European semi-final — as the biggest break that ultimately kept Tottenham up.
The Recruitment Problem
The former boss was scathing about the club’s transfer strategy, arguing that millions have been wasted on average players who haven’t delivered. “I don’t even know who half of them are, to be honest — £60 million here, £50 million there, £70 million there,” he said, insisting the recruitment department “has not been very good” and that a major squad overhaul is now essential.
Why Redknapp Believes in De Zerbi
Despite the criticism, Redknapp is genuinely excited by De Zerbi’s appointment, praising the Italian’s winning mentality and enthusiasm, and noting he “won’t stand for” the standards that have plagued Spurs over the past two years. Speaking to Sky Sports, Redknapp revealed he’d spoken to Adam Lallana, who described De Zerbi as “amazing to work for” at Brighton.
The Verdict: Top Six (or Even Top Five)
So where does Redknapp see Spurs finishing? He’s predicted a top-six finish — and in some interviews, even top five, which would secure Champions League football. “I think the new manager has sorted it out. Tottenham next year, for sure they’ll be a top-six team. De Zerbi, I like him. He did a great job at Brighton. I think next year they’ll be up there.”
Redknapp points to the club’s infrastructure — the stadium, the training ground, and promised investment — as reasons for optimism. With Andy Robertson already signed and further additions planned, he believes De Zerbi can build a team that will “never be in that position again.”
