Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has already outlined his approach during his first training session, with footage shared across the club’s social media platforms.
Appointed at the end of March, De Zerbi has now begun working closely with his squad. With most players returning after the international break and ample time before their upcoming clash against Sunderland, he has a valuable window to start embedding his ideas.
Spurs currently sit just one point above the relegation zone and are still chasing their first Premier League victory of 2026. They face a challenging run of fixtures, starting with an away trip to Sunderland, followed by a home game against De Zerbi’s former side, Brighton. Despite this, the Italian will be optimistic about turning things around.
Footage from the session highlighted a clear tactical focus. De Zerbi emphasized quick, short passing, often counting each pass to reinforce precision and control in tight spaces. Players also took part in small-sided games on a reduced pitch, with the manager frequently restarting play by dropping the ball into the center, increasing the tempo and intensity.
This approach forced players to react quickly, particularly when trying to regain possession, showcasing the high-energy style he wants to instill.
From this first glimpse, two key themes stand out for supporters: intensity and short passing. De Zerbi’s philosophy revolves around building from the back, maintaining possession, and pressing quickly to win the ball back.
Given the team’s current situation, dominating games immediately may be unrealistic, so there is also a strong emphasis on their work off the ball.
Answer to Question: Short, sharp passing
