James Maddison has praised Roberto De Zerbi for helping Tottenham avoid relegation, insisting the Italian’s arrival prevented “disaster” during a chaotic season for the North London club.
Spurs secured their Premier League survival on the final day with a tense 1-0 win over Everton thanks to Joao Palhinha’s first-half goal.
The result ensured Tottenham stayed above the bottom three despite West Ham beating Leeds 3-0 elsewhere.
De Zerbi took charge at the end of March after Tottenham had failed to win a league match throughout 2026 and slipped into the relegation zone.
Further setbacks followed with injuries to Cristian Romero and Xavi Simons, but the former Brighton boss managed to steady the club during the closing weeks of the campaign.
Sunday’s win over Everton also ended Tottenham’s long wait for a home Premier League victory, with Spurs having not won at home in the league since December 6.
Maddison, who recently returned from a long-term knee injury, admitted the situation could have become much worse without De Zerbi’s influence.
“I am really happy for the manager who came in and steered the ship clear because I think without him, it could have been doom and gloom if I am honest,” Maddison said.
“He’s so passionate. He’s been living at the training ground with the guys, with his team.
“He’s there at 9pm with all his staff. They’ve got the tactics board up, there’s six of them, they’re just talking. He’s just obsessed with football and he’s passionate.”
Maddison praises De Zerbi’s connection with Spurs
Maddison also highlighted the authenticity De Zerbi has shown since arriving at the club.
“When you feel the authenticity of someone who’s passionate for Tottenham, because I am, I love this club and I want this club to be successful so bad, and when you see the man who’s steering the ship, when he’s genuine, and not just saying it for the sake of it, you can tell he means that,” he added.
“Without that appointment, disaster could have maybe struck, but it didn’t and he takes a lot of credit for that because of the work he’s done behind the scenes and on the training pitch.”
Despite Tottenham enduring one of the worst campaigns in their recent history, Maddison believes the lack of European football next season could help the club recover.
“No Europe, which is not what this club should be at, but it is the reality and it can help which it showed with Manchester United this year,” he said.
“So, I’m excited under this manager.”
Gallagher also impressed by De Zerbi
Conor Gallagher also praised De Zerbi’s impact after joining Tottenham in January.
The England midfielder revealed the Italian immediately restored confidence within the squad after a difficult start to his Spurs career.
“He completely turned around the start of my Spurs career,” Gallagher said.
“From the first day or two he had everyone under his wing.
“Everyone trusted him instantly and everything he was doing, it was like ‘thank God he’s come in’ straight away.
“I can’t speak highly enough of him for what he’s done for the club, for the team and for me individually.”
