Former Tottenham Hotspur favourite Victor Wanyama has publicly endorsed Roberto De Zerbi, asserting the Italian manager possesses the capability not only to secure the club's Premier League status this season but also to rejuvenate them as a formidable competitive entity. Wanyama, who announced his retirement from professional football last Friday to pursue a coaching pathway, revealed he has meticulously followed De Zerbi's career trajectory since his early days at Sassuolo.
Wanyama's Analysis of De Zerbi's Managerial Pedigree
'I have studied him closely. Everywhere he has gone he has improved teams,' Wanyama stated emphatically. 'I've long admired De Zerbi since I noticed what he was doing with Sassuolo. Look at Shakhtar, Brighton and Marseille. He changes sides, he moulds them so they're not just survivors, they're competitors.'
He expressed unwavering conviction in De Zerbi's suitability for the Tottenham hot seat. 'I firmly believe he is the right man for Tottenham. He can keep them up, 100 per cent.' Wanyama acknowledged that initial compromises on playing philosophy might be necessary, but highlighted the manager's extensive experience. 'He may need to compromise principles at first, but he is very experienced, he knows what is missing and what is necessary.'
Reflecting on Tottenham's Current Struggles and His Own Legacy
The article notes that Tottenham's current midfield could greatly benefit from a player of Wanyama's combative style. The 34-year-old Kenyan was a pivotal figure in Mauricio Pochettino's team, until a serious knee injury sustained in a pre-season friendly at Wembley and exacerbated against Chelsea sidelined him for four months. The initial cartilage damage and bone bruising forced him to manage persistent wear and tear throughout the remainder of his playing days.
Wanyama pointed to Tottenham's injury crisis as a central factor in their difficult season. 'It's been difficult for the coaches at Tottenham this season because of the amount of injuries they have had. They have had 10 to 15 players out at different times and that certainly didn't help,' he explained. 'The club has tried different approaches but it's tough when you don't have all the squad back together.'
He identified key returning players as crucial to a turnaround. 'If they can get Kudus, Maddison and Bentancur back they can play a big part in turning it around. Also getting Solanke back into a rhythm. It will make them much more solid as a unit when they have that threat.'
Enduring Connection to Spurs and Future Plans
Wanyama, who was in London to witness Tottenham's defeat to Liverpool in December, plans to attend more matches as the season reaches its tense climax. He regards his tenure at Spurs among the most cherished periods of his career. While becoming the first Kenyan to score in the Champions League for Celtic against Barcelona remains a standout moment, he highlights reaching the 2019 final with Pochettino's side and scoring one of the last goals at the old White Hart Lane as pinnacle achievements, alongside forging a formidable midfield partnership with Mousa Dembele.
'I still keep in touch with some of the medical staff at Spurs and people who work in the offices,' Wanyama shared from his home in Nairobi. 'Hopefully, I'll be over for the Brighton game to support them.'
Transition to Coaching and European Ambitions
Wanyama's immediate focus now shifts to his coaching career. The persistent issues with his knee meant his final seasons at Montreal and Dunfermline Athletic were interspersed with rigorous recovery regimes involving ice treatment, rest, and anti-inflammatories.
'I've been managing it for some time and it was time to walk away, not to stress any more. I had to go through a lot of pain over the years because of the position I play and how I like to play with physicality. Now I can't wait to learn.'
He completed his UEFA B coaching licence last year in Northern Ireland, alongside figures like former Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone and ex-Sheffield Wednesday keeper David Stockdale. Currently working towards his A licence, Wanyama has already initiated discussions with London-based clubs, aiming to commence his coaching journey at academy level.
'I have my foundation here in Nairobi where I still work with young people and I'm training every day,' he said. 'I see working with the younger generation as the initial way forward for me then we will see. My dream is to coach in Europe. That has to be my goal.'
The piece concludes by suggesting Tottenham may welcome Wanyama back to their touchline in a coaching capacity in the future. At the very least, the retired midfielder is confident that when that day arrives, the club will be competing in the Premier League, thanks in part to the stewardship of Roberto De Zerbi.
