Maupay backs De Zerbi to transform Spurs and eyes Premier League return

Neal Maupay has expressed strong confidence in Roberto De Zerbi’s ability to turn Tottenham Hotspur into a genuine threat next season, while also revealing his personal desire to return to the Premier League after his loan spell at Sevilla came to an end.

The 29-year-old French striker worked under De Zerbi for a season and a half at Marseille and believes the Italian coach’s methods will prove far more effective now that he has a full pre-season and a stable squad to work with at Spurs. “I’ve got big hopes for him and Tottenham next season,” Maupay said. “I believe he will be a top manager in the world in a few years’ time. I’m convinced of that.”

Maupay acknowledged that De Zerbi’s first months in north London were defined by the immediate challenge of keeping Spurs in the Premier League, leaving little room to implement his detailed tactical philosophy. “The hardest part for me was to keep Tottenham in the Premier League,” he said. “Now he has the time to build the squad he wants, and get the injured players back. Having a full pre-season of work will be hugely important too, because he’s very detailed and it takes time to implement his ideas.”

Drawing on his own experience at Marseille, Maupay suggested supporters should be patient but optimistic. “At Marseille it took us three or four months to start to be on the same page. Then all of a sudden, everything became easier for us as players. I don’t see them having as tough a season as they just had.”

On his own future, Maupay confirmed that Sevilla are not expected to activate the purchase option on his loan, citing significant off-field uncertainty at the club — including reported takeover discussions involving Sergio Ramos. He remains contracted to Marseille, though the club’s own situation is in flux following a change of sporting director and an anticipated managerial appointment.

Despite the uncertainty, Maupay sounded upbeat about his prospects. “I feel really good after my experience in Sevilla. I am in good shape, I feel confident and I’m still very, very, very hungry to play,” he said. “And why not in England? I believe I’ve benefitted from my experience in France, and in Sevilla, and England is where I feel really at my best. I would be more than happy to be back.”

Should a return to England not materialise, Maupay noted that Marseille — the club holding his contract — remains an attractive option. “Marseille is the biggest club in France, so we’ll see. I can’t predict the future, but either way I’m hungry for more.”