James Maddison has praised Roberto De Zerbi for helping Tottenham avoid relegation, insisting the Italians 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 Palhinhas 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.Sundays win over Everton also ended Tottenhams 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 Zerbis 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.Hes so passionate. Hes been living at the training ground with the guys, with his team.Hes there at 9pm with all his staff. Theyve got the tactics board up, theres six of them, theyre just talking. Hes just obsessed with football and hes passionate.Table of ContentsMaddison praises De Zerbis connection with SpursGallagher also impressed by De ZerbiMaddison praises De Zerbis connection with SpursMaddison also highlighted the authenticity De Zerbi has shown since arriving at the club.When you feel the authenticity of someone whos 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 whos steering the ship, when hes 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 didnt and he takes a lot of credit for that because of the work hes 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, Im excited under this manager.Gallagher also impressed by De ZerbiConor Gallagher also praised De Zerbis 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 hes come in straight away.I cant speak highly enough of him for what hes done for the club, for the team and for me individually. Topics James Maddison Roberto De Zerbi Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Van de Ven slams unacceptable season after Tottenham escape relegation Mitch Fretton 24th May, 2026 Jarrod Bowen upset at West Hams relegation: It hurts Jon Fisher 24th May, 2026 Premier League review: Spurs survive, West Ham go down and Sunderland secure European spot Jon Fisher 24th May, 2026 Tottenham 1-0 Everton: Report, result and goals as Spurs SURVIVE on final day Mitch Fretton 24th May, 2026 WATCH: Palhinha nets huge goal to put Tottenham on brink of safety Mitch Fretton 24th May, 2026 LIVE Tottenham v Everton: Commentary, updates, goals and stats as Spurs face relegation D-day Jon Fisher 24th May, 2026
