Roberto De Zerbi insists the job at Tottenham will still be De Zerbi’s next season, even if relegation follows. The new head coach states that the decision holds regardless of results, as Tottenham try to halt a long run without a Premier League win.

De Zerbi arrived on Tuesday as successor to Igor Tudor, who departed after a sequence of five league games without victory, with one draw and four defeats. That slide left Tottenham hovering just above the relegation places, prompting the change in the technical area.

The contract reflects Tottenham’s long-term commitment to De Zerbi, with reports describing a five-year agreement. Opta’s supercomputer gives Tottenham a 27.5% probability of relegation, yet the club hierarchy and De Zerbi have agreed on a project that extends well beyond the current campaign.

Tottenham still wait for a first Premier League win of 2026, having collected five draws and eight defeats during this calendar year. Overall, the club sit on 30 points from 31 league fixtures, which equals their lowest return at this stage, last seen in the 1914-15 season.

That poor sequence includes a 13-match winless stretch in league competition, made up of five draws and eight losses. It matches the club’s second-longest such sequence in league history, with the previous instance also at 13 games back in November 1912.

Key numbers from Tottenham’s season so far appear below.

{TABLE_1}

De Zerbi’s first match in charge comes away at Sunderland on April 12, a significant early test. The 46-year-old believes the existing squad has enough ability to recover in the final weeks, provided confidence returns and performances show greater consistency under the new structure.

De Zerbi explained that detailed preparation began before the appointment. I watched a lot of games, especially in the last period. I know the players very well. It’s a difficult moment for everyone at Tottenham, De Zerbi said. I think we have the right qualities to come out of this moment. I believe in the players. I think we have to remember who we are and who the players are because we have very big players and have to work on their confidence in themselves.

De Zerbi stressed belief in both the playing group and Tottenham’s identity. I accepted this challenge because I have great confidence in the players. The style and history of Tottenham is a very clear type of play. After this part of the season, I think we can create a great future.I signed a five-year contract because it is a big challenge. I will be the Tottenham coach next season, no matter what.

The Italian coach brings previous Premier League experience from Brighton, where De Zerbi spent just under two seasons. During that spell, Brighton won 26 of 70 matches in all competitions, giving a win percentage of 37.1%, experience Tottenham hope translates into stability.

As the Sunderland fixture approaches, Tottenham supporters will watch to see if performances change quickly under De Zerbi. The club’s league position, winless sequence, and historical low points total give clear context to the challenge that awaits the new head coach over the remaining weeks.