Published Sep 26, 2026, 6:40 AM GMT+1

The Lilywhites have spent the last two seasons battling relegation, but a third successive campaign in the bottom half of the table could once again be on the cards.

Roberto De Zerbi’s men have failed to win any of the first five games of the new campaign, which has seen the club remain rooted to the bottom of England’s top-flight.

As a result, the Italian has seen his own future come into question once again, which could result in yet another change in manager in North London.

Why De Zerbi should be on borrowed time as Spurs manager

After securing survival after his appointment back in March, De Zerbi was seen as the perfect man to install the quality and belief needed for Spurs to avoid another season of trouble in the Premier League.

The Italian only managed to win three of his first seven games in charge of the Lilywhites last season, with West Ham United’s struggles helping them avoid relegation.

After the heavy spending, added pressure has been placed on the 47-year-old in recent weeks, and it’s something which he’s seemingly been unable to cop with.

The run of zero wins in the first five games of the new Premier League campaign has highlighted his struggles in North London, with the former Brighton boss winning just four of 14 matches to date.

As a result, he’s now won just 28% of the matches he’s taken charge of, with such a record failing to inspire the fanbase into believing he can get the club out of this mess.

Europe was undoubtedly the aim before a ball was kicked this campaign, but after the recent run of defeats in England’s top-flight, the club are already sitting seven points off the top four.

His side have only netted twice in the Premier League during such a run, with the club’s inability to impress at either end playing a huge role in their continued struggles.

How Spurs can replace De Zerbi with elite-level manager

After yet another dismal spell in North London, it’s no surprise to see De Zerbi becoming a man under pressure and rumours swirling around his long-term future as Spurs boss.

Former Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has constantly been touted with the job over recent seasons and has once again appeared as an option given the recent struggles.

However, his lack of experience managing at the top end of the Premier League could see him become a risky appointment and one which could see them fail to get out of the current situation.

As a result, the hierarchy should once again be turning their attention to working on a deal to reappoint former manager Mauricio Pochettino in the near future.

The Argentine previously spent five and a half years in the role in North London, but he was sacked back in 2019, with the 54-year-old even managing Chelsea in that period.

However, despite being removed from the role numerous years ago, he’s been earmarked as one option that could fill the void if De Zerbi is dismissed anytime soon.

He’s made no secret of his desire to return to the role in the future, despite currently being in charge of the United States national team for the foreseeable future.

Despite his current role, Pochettino would be the perfect man to take the reins in the immediate future, with his previous experience in the position allowing him to bring the glory days to North London.

The Argentine led the Lilywhites to the Champions League final back in 2018/19, and allowed the club to finish in the top four of the Premier League on a consistent basis.

Since his departure nearly seven years ago, the club have only managed to finish in such a position once - highlighting why he’s the best manager for the job at present.

Pochettino’s departure from Spurs has seen him take charge of Chelsea and PSG, with his previous spells seeing him being dubbed “one of the best managers in the world” by Pep Guardiola.

The supporters too have continuously called for the 54-year-old to be reinstated over recent seasons, with the failures of other managers only strengthening their calls of late.

De Zerbi clearly is unable to get the best out of the current group despite the mammoth spending, with Pochettino’s experience in North London making him the dream managerial target at present.