Tottenham’s Managerial Crisis: Pochettino Verdict After De Zerbi Sacking Rumours

Tottenham Hotspur are at the bottom of the Premier League after five games, sparking speculation that manager Roberto De Zerbi may be next to go. Former boss Tim Sherwood suggests fans would prefer Mauricio Pochettino, citing the club’s recent heavy spending and lack of results. The club’s 2024‑25…

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 23 Sep 2026 10:36:22 GMT

Tottenham Hotspur find themselves in a precarious position after a winless start to the Premier League season, prompting speculation that manager Roberto De Zerbi could be next in line for dismissal. The North London club has spent more than £400 million on ten players in the summer, yet the squad has failed to secure a single victory in its first five fixtures. This has reignited discussions about the club’s direction and the suitability of De Zerbi’s appointment.

Season‑Opening Struggles and Heavy Spending

Spurs began the 2024‑25 campaign with a string of disappointing results. In five matches, the team managed only two consolation goals and no wins, placing them at the bottom of the Premier League table. The club’s summer transfer activity, which saw the acquisition of ten players for a combined cost exceeding £400 million, has not translated into on‑field success. Analysts and fans alike are questioning whether the influx of money has created the right environment for a competitive squad.

Tim Sherwood’s Take on Pochettino vs. De Zerbi

Former Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood weighed in on the situation, suggesting that the club’s supporters would favour a return to Mauricio Pochettino over the current manager. Sherwood explained that while Pochettino’s tenure was not trophy‑laden, he achieved notable successes, including a Champions League final appearance and a Europa League triumph under Ange Postecoglou. He added that the squad under Pochettino was “a real Champions League squad” compared to the current lineup.

• "Tottenham fans would take Mauricio Pochettino over Roberto De Zerbi," Sherwood told MaxFreeBets.
• He noted that the current team is a “different playing staff” and that a change in management could be necessary if spending continues.
• Sherwood emphasized that a manager’s job at Tottenham is contingent on results, especially given the club’s financial commitments.

Bookmaker Markets and Managerial Speculation

Betting markets have reflected growing uncertainty about De Zerbi’s future. Over the weekend, odds shifted to place him as the most likely Premier League manager to be sacked, ahead of high‑profile names such as Michael Carrick of Manchester United and Alvaro Arbeloa of Fulham. The bookmakers’ movements suggest that the football betting community is closely monitoring Tottenham’s performance and the club’s willingness to make a managerial change.

Historical Context: Pochettino’s Legacy

Mauricio Pochettino’s spell at Tottenham, which lasted five and a half years, was marked by relative consistency and a strong run of form. He was dismissed in 2019 after less than six months of leading the team to a Champions League final. Despite the absence of silverware during his tenure, Pochettino is remembered for guiding Spurs to a Europa League victory and for maintaining a competitive squad.

Spurs’ most recent triumph came six years after Pochettino’s departure, when Ange Postecoglou led the club to an Europa League title. However, that season also saw the team finish 17th in the league for the first of two consecutive seasons, raising concerns about the club’s long‑term stability.

Relegation Threats and Future Outlook

Relegation fears have already begun to loom over Tottenham, with Opta’s predictive models placing the club at risk of dropping out of the Premier League. The early season slump, coupled with the lack of a win in five games, has intensified pressure on De Zerbi to deliver immediate results. If the club continues to invest heavily in the squad, the expectation for success will only increase, potentially shortening De Zerbi’s tenure further.

While De Zerbi still enjoys support from the fanbase, the combination of financial commitments, poor results, and external speculation suggests that a managerial change could be on the horizon. Whether the club will opt for a return to Pochettino or seek a new direction remains to be seen.

What Happens Next?

Spurs’ board will likely review the situation in the coming weeks, weighing the potential benefits of a managerial change against the risks of destabilising the squad. The club’s performance over the next few fixtures will be crucial in determining whether De Zerbi can salvage the season or if a new manager will be appointed to steer the team away from relegation danger.

As the Premier League season progresses, all eyes will be on Tottenham to see if the heavy summer spend finally pays off or if the club’s managerial crisis deepens.

Key facts

• Spurs are winless after five games despite £400m+ summer spend
• Roberto De Zerbi is the most likely manager to be sacked according to bookmakers
• Former boss Tim Sherwood says fans would prefer Mauricio Pochettino
• Pochettino’s tenure was marked by consistency but no trophies
• Relegation fears are rising with Opta predicting a drop
• The club’s future hinges on immediate results and financial commitments

Why it matters

The outcome of Tottenham’s managerial situation will influence the club’s financial strategy, fan morale, and its prospects for staying in the Premier League. A change could either revive the team or further destabilise its trajectory.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Tottenham spending so much on new players?

The club aims to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for trophies and maintaining Premier League status, but the recent lack of results suggests the strategy may need reassessment.

What happened to Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham?

Pochettino managed the club for five and a half years, achieving a Champions League final and a Europa League win under a successor, but was dismissed in 2019 after a brief period of poor form.

Could Tottenham avoid relegation this season?

While the club faces relegation risks, a managerial change or a strong run of results could help them climb the table, but the current trajectory is concerning.

Sources

• [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Tottenham given Pochettino verdict after De Zerbi sacking movements”