Pressure is mounting on Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham as they languish at the bottom of the Premier League table after a shaky start to the season. With significant summer investments in the squad, the heat is intensifying on De Zerbi ahead of their crucial clash against Manchester United.
After five matches, the Spurs are still searching for form, and former players Maupay and Vermeeren have stepped into the fray to lay bare their experiences with the Tottenham boss.
Maupay, who worked closely with De Zerbi at Marseille, was taken aback by a past comment from the manager in February 2025, where De Zerbi described him as "his son" and insisted he would stay at the club as long as the Italian was in charge.
I wouldn’t address my own kids like that. Everyone has their own methods of education.
The French forward also detailed his isolated experience last season, revealing he spent a considerable amount of time training alone.
It was a very tough season for me. I was kept away from the team for most of it. I'd go to the training ground and see no one.
When your things are stored in a temporary room at the far end of the training facility, and you’re just running laps with no access to the changing room, it’s really hard.
Belgian player Arthur Vermeeren also shared his thoughts on De Zerbi’s coaching style, describing him as direct and demanding. He noted that a mistake in a match nearly cost him his place in the team.
He didn’t mean to offend me. De Zerbi is just very tough and straightforward. He gave me a lot of confidence, but when you make a mistake, you have to face the consequences.
In the following weeks and months, I barely played. It was tough. Some teammates told me it was unfair, but that’s football.
Despite the revelations, Vermeeren chose not to disclose the details of his recent conversations with De Zerbi.
For De Zerbi, the timing of these criticisms couldn’t be worse. Tottenham urgently needs results, and the upcoming fixture against Manchester United could significantly impact his future at the club.
