De Zerbi claims ‘I’d be the best coach in Italy’ after winless Tottenham start

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 29: Tottenham coach, Roberto De Zerbi reacts during the Sydney Super Cup match between Sydney FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Allianz Stadium on July 29, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

Roberto De Zerbi drew attention to himself by suggesting that he would be considered ‘the best coach in Italy’ after recording back-to-back clean sheets in the Premier League with Tottenham, despite the fact that Spurs are winless and in 17th place after four matches of the 2026-27 season. 

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Tottenham were held to a 0-0 draw by Everton at home in the Premier League on Saturday evening, their second consecutive goalless draw following a stalemate against Nottingham Forest last weekend. 

Before then, Tottenham were beaten 3-0 by Brentford in the opening weekend and 2-0 by Newcastle at the end of August. Their only win so far this season has come in the EFL Cup, at home against Championship side Charlton Athletic, who made 10 changes against a competitive De Zerbi side.

Speaking to the media after Saturday’s Premier League draw against Everton, De Zerbi encouraged reporters to consider the positives, pointing to Tottenham’s consecutive clean sheets rather than the fact that they have not yet scored a single goal in the English top flight this season. 

“In Italy for example now, I should be the best coach, no? Two games, two clean sheets, or no? Tomorrow, what do you write? Clean sheet or no goals?,” De Zerbi toyed in the press room. 

Roberto De Zerbi: "In Italy, I'd be the best coach." 👀 pic.twitter.com/X39Hiz0tUU

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The pressure is beginning to mount on De Zerbi, who was brought in towards the end of a disastrous 2025-26 season that saw Tottenham flirt with relegation until the final days of the campaign. 

The Italian head coach was given over €350m to spend during the summer transfer window, making Sandro Tonali the most expensive Italian footballer as well as signing the likes of Matheus Fernandes, Savio and Omar Marmoush, but is still yet to see his side hit the back of the net in the Premier League after four matches in 2026-27.