SOCCER: New Spurs boss De Zerbi targets Premier League survival with attacking football

Roberto De Zerbi called on Tottenham Hotspur to embrace their attacking instincts as he battles to save the club from their first relegation since 1977, declaring on Friday (April 10) that the 'DNA' of the club is to attack and score goals.

Having been appointed as Spurs' third manager of the season, the former Brighton & Hove Albion boss has seven games to steer the North London side to safety and he acknowledged the urgency of his task.

Spurs have not won a Premier League game in 2026, while they have scored only 40 league goals this season to register a negative goal difference (-10).

The Italian manager had vowed to remain in charge next season regardless of results, describing the role as the biggest challenge of his career after signing a long-term contract.

Spurs plummeted in the standings, first under Thomas Frank and then under interim boss Igor Tudor, with the club sitting in 17th place -- one point above the relegation zone.

"I believe to keep (Spurs) in the Premier League, it has to be clear to everyone, because I want to work in the Premier League. I think I deserve to work in the Premier League," De Zerbi said.

However, he was dealt a blow when forward Mohammed Kudus suffered a setback in his recovery from a quad injury, with the Ghanaian international also in danger of missing out on the World Cup.

-Kurt Michael Hall/Reuters