Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has welcomed the club's bold ambition to win the Premier League, as declared by chief executive Vinai Venkatesham. Venkatesham's statement this week that the club's long-term goal is to secure the English title drew skepticism from rival supporters, given Tottenham's long drought without a league crown since 1961 and their recent struggles.
Last season, Spurs narrowly escaped relegation on the final day, and they have finished 17th in each of the past two campaigns. Currently, they sit ninth in the table after a poor start, 12 points adrift of leaders Arsenal ahead of Saturday's trip to Leeds. Despite the challenges, De Zerbi finds Venkatesham's optimism inspiring.
"It was great to hear what Vinai said," De Zerbi told reporters. "I think the first thing for the people to stay in this club, to work in this club is to be ambitious, but to be ambitious you have to show. And you have to show the right mentality every day, game by game because just with the words is not enough."
The Italian coach also praised the ongoing efforts of the ownership and recruitment team. "What Vinai, the Lewis family, Johan Lange, what they are doing is something special because in the last two seasons, I think you can see they are changing a lot of things in this club," he added. "And for me as a coach, for my staff, for the players, we have to show to the best self to stay in this club."
Tottenham's summer transfer window saw significant investment, with the arrivals of Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, and several other new recruits raising expectations. However, the team failed to win any of their first six league games, intensifying pressure on De Zerbi. The tide turned with a draw at Manchester United, followed by victories over Coventry, Chelsea, and Crystal Palace, lifting them away from the relegation zone.
De Zerbi attributes the revival to the right attitude and hunger. "With the right behaviour, with the right mentality, to be hungry every day and to make a result. This is the best thing to do from our side," he said. As Tottenham prepares for the trip to Leeds, the focus remains on maintaining their improved form and proving that their title ambitions are more than just words.
