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New links are arriving between Tottenham Hotspur and Roberto De Zerbi as the London club fights to stay alive in the Premier League, with The Athletic reporting that Tottenham have offered the manager a “significant financial package” which would make him one of the most valuable coaches in the world.
The operation is far from guaranteed as Tottenham are eager to make the move happen right now rather than wait for the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. If Tottenham aren’t able to lure De Zerbi to the club, there is an option out there that makes sense for both the present-term and the future. Xavi, Barcelona’s former coach, could be a reasonable compromise for the English club if they aren’t able to attain De Zerbi’s services.
Xavi is an interesting candidate for Tottenham’s open manager spot
When Xavi took over Barcelona in 2021, the club was in financial ruin and needed someone to right the ship in a perilous situation. While Xavi wasn’t a miracle worker, he did what needed to be done to stabilize the club. He won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup in 2023, brought in Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, and gave Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal their debuts. He was able to turn around a perilous situation into a foundation for bigger and better things, which fits what Tottenham are looking for.
Barcelona are La Liga champions for the first time since 2018-19! 🏆#FCB pic.twitter.com/QEbiIgNdmy
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) May 14, 2023In terms of playing style, Xavi and De Zerbi aren’t too far apart regarding their footballing philosophy. There was once a time when these two managers were considered the successors of Pep Guardiola’s positional play, as they both relied on fixed rotations, taking advantage of space, and specific build-up patterns to move up the pitch.
MORE: Roberto De Zerbi’s coaching style explained
Now, De Zerbi’s system was built to combat the Premier League, which is a level that Xavi hasn’t fully encountered as a coach. It makes sense why Tottenham are pushing to sign the more experienced coach. Xavi has also been in the spotlight recently after blasting Joan Laporta for his management of the Barcelona as president prior to the Barcelona elections, leading to a very public spectacle that Tottenham may not be interested in dealing with.
However, Xavi would be far from the worst option for the club. He’s experienced in managing some of the most high-pressure situations in football, has a style of football that has similarities to De Zerbi’s, and Xavi is now more seasoned than he was when he took over Barcelona. Perhaps his time there and his hiatus from coaching have given him ample opportunities to reflect and improve. If Roberto De Zerbi ends up not signing with Tottenham, then Xavi should be a name to watch.
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