Tottenham just hired someone who is up there with Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho – Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who worked under Roberto De Zerbi, has offered a revealing insight into what Tottenham can expect, with his verdict only adding to the growing intrigue around the Italian’s arrival.

While not many took to the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as Tottenham Hotspur manager, glowing reviews have now begun to come in for the new Spurs boss.

Jay Bothroyd is one of the few to have praised the appointment of De Zerbi, with the former Premier League striker going as far as to state that he expects the former Brighton manager to secure European football next season.

Neal Maupay also handed praise to De Zerbi, stating that he is a fantastic appointment for Tottenham, although he had his reservations as to how he will fare in a relegation scrap.

Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg praises Roberto De Zerbi impact

A previous comment from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is now likely to resonate with Spurs supporters.

Hojbjerg was a regular presence in Roberto De Zerbi’s midfield during the Italian’s spell at Olympique de Marseille, and when speaking to Onze Mondial in November 2025, the Denmark international was full of praise for his then manager – comments that are sure to fuel excitement among the Tottenham faithful.

Speaking about De Zerbi’s influence and his connection with players, Hojbjerg said: “I have been lucky enough to have coaches like [Pep] Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, and Antonio Conte. And I put Roberto De Zerbi in the same category.

“Over the next 20 years, coach De Zerbi is going to contribute enormously to football. And for me, it is an honour to work with him. The coach… I do not know how to explain it. He has a connection with the dressing room, he has an emotional relationship with the dressing room, Mourinho had the same thing.

“Roberto De Zerbi has a feel for the dressing room, he understands the atmosphere, he grasps the behaviours, he knows in advance what is going to happen the next day… (he pauses). Okay, I will stop there, otherwise I will end up saying too many wonderful things (smiles). It is an honour to work with such a coach, in any case.”

Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi earns Pep Guardiola praise

Hojbjerg is not alone in his assessment of De Zerbi. Pep Guardiola also had glowing reviews of the new Spurs boss when he was manager of Brighton.

When speaking about the Italian in 2023, Guardiola highlighted the 46-year-old’s tactical influence and the distinct style of play his teams have become known for.

He said: “I am convinced that Roberto De Zerbi is one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years. There is no team that plays the way they play, it is unique.

“I had the feeling that when he arrived I had an idea the impact he would have on the Premier League would be great, but I could not expect him to do it in such a short time.

“They create on average 20-25 chances per game. They monopolise the ball in a way that has not been seen for a long time. Everybody is involved – the goalkeeper is like a holding midfielder.”

• READ MORE: Tottenham want to sign ‘crucial’ player Roberto De Zerbi called ‘one of our secrets’ at Brighton

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