The world of football is full of surprises, but very few people expected to see Tottenham Hotspur fighting for their lives at the bottom of the Premier League table in 2026.
This prestigious North London club is currently facing a nightmare scenario as they head into the final stretch of the season. With only seven games left to play, the threat of relegation is no longer a distant worry; it is a cold, hard reality staring them in the face.
To try and fix this mess, the club has brought in Roberto De Zerbi, a manager known for his tactical brilliance and his ability to get the very best out of his players. As he prepares for his first game in charge against Sunderland, all eyes are on how he plans to save a team that hasn’t managed to win a single league match since the start of the year.One of the biggest talking points surrounding De Zerbi’s arrival is how he will handle a squad that has looked completely lost on the pitch.
Many players who were expected to be stars have failed to perform, leaving the fans frustrated and the team sliding down the standings. During his first press conference, De Zerbi was open about the challenges ahead, but he also highlighted a specific player he believes can be the key to their survival: Conor Gallagher. The English midfielder has had a very difficult time since joining Spurs from Atletico Madrid during the January transfer window.
Despite the high expectations that came with his arrival, his performances have been underwhelming, and he has quickly become a target for heavy criticism from both the media and the supporters.However, De Zerbi seems to see something in Gallagher that others have missed lately. The Italian manager spoke warmly about the midfielder, even going so far as to say that he “loves” the way Gallagher plays.
He made it clear that his goal is to help the player return to the incredible form he showed during his time at Chelsea. Back then, Gallagher was known as a high-energy engine in the middle of the park, someone who could press opponents for ninety minutes and contribute both defensively and in the attack. De Zerbi wants that version of Gallagher back on the field as soon as possible. He knows that if he can fix Gallagher’s confidence, he will have a powerful weapon to use in the battle against relegation.
The situation is incredibly urgent. Depending on other results, such as the match between West Ham and Wolves, Tottenham could actually find themselves sitting in the relegation zone before they even kick a ball against Sunderland this weekend. This adds a massive amount of pressure to De Zerbi’s debut. He needs players who are willing to fight, run, and give everything for the shirt. This is exactly why he is focusing so much on Gallagher.
While some critics have been harsh—with former players even calling his recent form “absolutely awful”—De Zerbi is choosing to look at the potential rather than the failures. He believes that Gallagher’s natural work rate and intensity are perfect for the style of football he wants to implement. For Gallagher, this feels like a final chance to prove he belongs at a club of this size. His move to Spain and subsequent return to London haven’t gone as planned, and reports of his high wages have only made the fans more impatient.
When a team is losing, people look for someone to blame, and as a big-money signing, Gallagher has often been the scapegoat. Being called out by pundits for his lack of impact is tough for any professional, but having a world-class coach like De Zerbi publicly back you can change everything. It’s a fresh start for everyone at the club, and the midfielder will be desperate to show that he isn’t the “awful” player his critics claim him to be. The tactical shift under De Zerbi will likely be significant.
He is a coach who demands bravery on the ball and relentless energy off it. If Tottenham are going to stay in the Premier League, they have to stop playing with fear. They need to find their first win of 2026, and they need it now. The trip to Sunderland will be a hostile and difficult environment, but it is the perfect stage for a turnaround. If De Zerbi can successfully rejuvenate players like Gallagher, he might just pull off one of the greatest escape acts in the history of the league.
Ultimately, the story of Tottenham’s season is one of missed opportunities and underperformance. But with a new leader at the helm, there is a glimmer of hope. De Zerbi isn’t just looking to save the club; he’s looking to save the careers of the players who have lost their way. By putting his faith in Conor Gallagher, he is sending a message to the entire squad: the past doesn’t matter, but the next seven games are everything. It is time for the players to step up, find their courage, and prove to the world that they belong in the top flight of English football.
Whether or not they can do it remains to be seen, but the journey starts this weekend.
