Jermain Defoe believes Roberto De Zerbi has the tools to keep Tottenham in the Premier League, despite a poor run of form. Defoe points to De Zerbi’s approach and league knowledge as crucial in the final seven matches, with Spurs currently just one point clear of the relegation places.

Tottenham have failed to win any of their last 13 Premier League fixtures, drawing five and losing eight in that period. This sequence matches the club’s second-longest league run without a victory, a mark first set in November 1912, and has dragged Spurs into a serious battle for survival.

De Zerbi is appointed on a long-term deal, reported as a five-year contract, after Igor Tudor departed following only 44 days in charge, the fourth-shortest reign in top-flight history. The new Tottenham head coach takes over a side that has earned only 30 points from 31 league games this season.

That total of 30 points from 31 matches equals Tottenham’s lowest return at this stage of any league campaign when using three points for a win, matching the 1914-15 season. Even with that record, the Opta supercomputer estimates a 72.5% chance Spurs stay up and a 27.5% risk of relegation.

Defoe highlighted how De Zerbi’s philosophy could lift performances at Tottenham. “He’s someone that comes in with an unbelievable CV,” Defoe said of De Zerbi, who previously led Marseille and Shakhtar Donetsk. Defoe expects the tactical approach to suit Premier League demands and help deliver vital results under pressure.

Defoe recalled enjoying De Zerbi’s Brighton side in the Premier League, which shaped those expectations. “When you look at his playing style, as football fans, you have to appreciate and enjoy the way they play. I remember the [De Zerbi] Brighton team, watching Brighton play, thinking, ‘wow, this is the right way to play football’.”

Defoe also stressed the scale of the task at Tottenham but praised the new boss. “He’s going into a massive football club, but he’s someone with a good CV and someone who backs himself.” De Zerbi’s first match comes away to Sunderland on 12 April, a key test in the relegation fight.

Roberto De Zerbi faces Premier League pressure with Tottenham squad

Defoe, recently named head coach of National League club Woking, expressed hope that Tottenham players adapt quickly to De Zerbi. “I just hope this group of players can respond and get the results they need,” Defoe continued, aware that many in the squad are unfamiliar with such peril.

Defoe underlined the strain around Tottenham as the club confronts an unusual situation near the bottom. “A lot of the players haven’t experienced this before, the fans and the club have not been through this situation before. Hopefully they can come out of it, and with this manager, I’m sure he’s good enough to get the results they need.”