Apr 1, 2026, 02:18 PM
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Jermain Defoe has backed Roberto De Zerbi to keep relegation-threatened Tottenham in the Premier League after being dazzled by the Italian's slick style of football.
Former Brighton and Marseille boss De Zerbi is Spurs' third manager of a miserable season, having been appointed on Tuesday with the club sitting just a point above the drop zone.
Defoe, who is also starting a new role this week after taking charge of National League side Woking, had two spells with Tottenham as a player and also began his coaching career in north London.
"He's someone that comes in with an unbelievable CV," Defoe said of De Zerbi, who has also managed Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk.
"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'.
"He's going into a massive football club but he's someone with a good CV and someone who backs himself."
Tottenham sacked Igor Tudor on Sunday following one point from five top-flight games during his brief tenure, having only dispensed with Thomas Frank on Feb. 11.
Roberto De Zerbi and Jermain Defoe start their respective manager jobs this week. Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images
"I just hope this group of players can respond and get the results they need," continued Defoe.
"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."
Former England striker Defoe has been contacted by a host of managers and players past and present since taking on the first permanent role of his managerial career on Sunday.
The 43-year-old ultimately wants to lead Woking into the English Football League for the first time in the club's 139-year history.
He watched from the stands on Tuesday evening as the 10th-placed Cards drew 1-1 with Altrincham and will begin his reign on Friday at home to Eastleigh.
"The main objective is of course to get promoted," Defoe said, who will be assisted by Paul Bracewell and takes over with the team 11 points off a play-off spot with six games remaining.
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"There are some top players here, the games I've watched I've been really impressed and I believe that me and my coaching staff can go to the next level.
"You have to be confident. You always have to back yourself and believe you can make a difference.
"There have been some unbelievable messages from players I've played with and current players and managers and people in the game, which is a nice feeling.
"But the fact of the matter is you've got to win football matches and that's why I'm here."