I played for Roberto De Zerbi – he’s like Jurgen Klopp and will rescue Tottenham from relegation

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I played for Roberto De Zerbi – he's like Jurgen Klopp and will rescue Tottenham from relegation

Roberto De Zerbi will take charge of Tottenham Hotspur for the first time on Sunday, April 12, when they face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

CommentsSpursJake Stokes Senior Sports Journalist17:03, 01 Apr 2026

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Adam Lallana has backed Roberto De Zerbi to keep Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. The Lilywhites are just one point – and a hefty goal difference – away from the relegation zone; they could fall into the bottom three if they lose to Sunderland and West Ham beat Wolves.

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Spurs are yet to win a game in the English top-flight this year, so the Italian will be determined to taste victory at the Stadium of Light next weekend. During an appearance on Wednesday morning's talkSPORT Breakfast show, Lallana was asked whether De Zerbi can keep Tottenham up.

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Without hesitation, the Southampton Under-21s head coach said: "Definitely. Not even a doubt in my mind. I just think they're very, very fortunate. I'm actually slightly jealous.

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"I was speaking to a player at Spurs who was picking my brains about him. I just know they're going to be in for a rollercoaster, but a great one."

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Lallana featured 45 times for De Zerbi across two seasons at Brighton. The former England international helped the new Tottenham boss secure qualification to the Europa League in his first season at the Amex Stadium.

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Before working with De Zerbi on the south coast, Lallana enjoyed a fruitful spell under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. Together, they won the Premier League, the Champions League, the Super Cup, and the Club World Cup, which was later renamed the Intercontinental Cup.

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Lallana continued: "I always compared him with Jurgen, actually. Probably just the passion that they both possess for the game. I think tactically and game mode-wise, they're completely different. But in terms of love and passion for football, they're exactly the same."

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On whether De Zerbi will be able to lift the Tottenham squad both physically and mentally, the 37-year-old said: "Roberto's an extremely smart man.

"He'll know he's not got time to play a certain way, a certain style. He won't be snobbish to not understand that. He knows he's got to go in there and motivate a group of men.

"Luckily for Roberto, he might not know that, but he's one of the most inspirational managers and people there is, in my opinion. After five minutes of him speaking in our first meeting when he joined Brighton, I was on board.

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"I have no doubt he'd be able to emulate that at Spurs."

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Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Thomas Frank's side every step of the way. We'll bring you the latest news, analysis and a laugh too as Spurs look to follow up on last season's Europa League triumph.

And, given it's Spurs, there will be plenty of drama and big talking points – with Frank enduring an action-packed start to his tenure in north London.

Selection decisions that backfire. VAR controversy. Unsung heroes. Miserable home form. Transfer dilemmas. The next wonderkid. We'll have it all covered on 'Talking Tottenham'.

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