Tottenham’s squad have quickly taken to new manager Roberto De Zerbi, with one key adjustment in his approach proving especially popular among the players. After brief spells under Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor, the Italian—renowned for transforming Brighton & Hove Albion into one of the Premier League’s most exciting sides—has signed a five-year deal at Tottenham, placing him among the league’s highest-paid managers.
The level of ambition behind his appointment is clear. Tottenham have reportedly made him the third best-paid manager in the Premier League, behind only Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola—a sign of both long-term intent and the urgency of their current situation. Spurs head into their trip to Sunderland AFC sitting 17th, just one point above the relegation zone, with six matches still to play.
However, the biggest early impact has come on the training ground. According to Alasdair Gold of Football London, the atmosphere at Hotspur Way has noticeably improved. Players left the first training session highly impressed, with one senior member of the squad describing it as among the best he has experienced.
Club footage has also highlighted De Zerbi’s hands-on style, particularly his direct work with younger players like Lucas Bergvall, Mathys Tel, and Archie Gray.
What stands out most is his method. Rather than imposing a fixed system, De Zerbi has focused on individuals—spending time understanding each player’s strengths and working to refine them. The emphasis is on developing better footballers, not just fitting players into a rigid structure, and this approach has reportedly been met with great enthusiasm within the squad.
Unlike many managers who prioritize tactical systems first, De Zerbi is building from the players outward. He is also expected to play a role in shaping the club’s structure off the pitch, including input on appointing a new sporting director, following a deal similar in influence to that of Arteta.
While it remains to be seen whether these early positives will translate into results against Sunderland, the initial signs suggest a far more encouraging start than the transitions that came before.
