Tottenham Hotspur interim manager Cristian Stellini has lauded Brighton & Hove Albion’s Roberto De Zerbi ahead of their Premier League meeting on Saturday.
The Spurs caretaker boss spoke highly of his fellow Italian coach, in conversation with football.london.
De Zerbi has worked wonders at the Amex Stadium since taking over from Graham Potter in September.
He has continued his predecessor’s good work and looks set for a record high Premier League finish with his club.
Gareth Southgate recently said the 43-year-old was doing some “amazing” work with a side playing “unique” football.
Meanwhile, former Spurs player Sandro told BBC Sport that De Zerbi would become “one of the best very soon”.
De Zerbi will go up against Stellini on Saturday when Brighton take on Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
‘He improved a lot’
When he arrived in England, Stellini studied former Seagulls boss Potter closely.
On Friday, Alasdair Gold asked the Spurs coach what differences he saw between Potter and De Zerbi.
“I think De Zerbi is not fluid (tactically) like Potter,” he said.
“De Zerbi is more a manager consistent in the way he wants to hurt the opponent.
“He is more focused with the ball and what they can do with the ball and being aggressive when they lose the ball.
“Potter was more fluid in the change of system but the players are smart to do it. You have to create intelligent player to do it.”
On De Zerbi, he added: “Yeah he improved a lot.
“He has a great personality like a manager and he arrive here in a new country and quickly he put his sign on his team.
“That is not easy for everyone and De Zerbi show also in England, in the Premier League he is a great manager.”
De Zerbi’s stock has risen quickly in the past few months as he continues to deliver ‘wonderful football’.
With that in mind, clubs will no doubt be circling around the Italian in in the coming months.
And if Spurs haven’t made a permanent appointment yet, he wouldn’t be a bad shout.
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