EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham Hail De Zerbi as the Best Manager After Just Days, Say They’re Impressed

Tottenham Hail De Zerbi as the Best Manager After Just Days, Say They’re Impressed

According to Alasdair Gold, writing for Football London, several Tottenham Hotspur players left their first training session under new manager Roberto De Zerbi extremely impressed, with many reportedly sharing glowing feedback after the session at the club’s training ground.

De Zerbi oversaw his first full training session with the squad on Friday at Hotspur Way, and early indications suggest that his ideas and methods immediately caught the attention of the players. Reports indicate that the Italian coach made his expectations very clear, particularly regarding his philosophy of controlling matches through possession. Video clips from the training ground soon circulated, highlighting how De Zerbi quickly began introducing the technical and tactical principles that have defined his coaching career.

The emphasis during the session appeared to be on keeping the ball, building play patiently, and moving it quickly through the lines — all trademarks of De Zerbi’s footballing style. The 46-year-old manager is known for demanding intelligence and composure from his players when in possession, and it seems he wasted no time communicating that message to the squad.

One Tottenham player was said to be especially enthusiastic about the session, reportedly telling friends that the opening training under De Zerbi was “outstanding.” That sentiment was apparently shared by several others within the dressing room, as a number of players returned from the international break eager to impress the new head coach and adapt to his methods. The positive reaction suggests that the squad may already be buying into the tactical vision De Zerbi is attempting to establish in north London.

However, despite the encouraging atmosphere on the training pitch, De Zerbi now faces a short but crucial period to assess his squad and determine his strongest possible starting lineup. Tottenham are preparing for an important upcoming trip to Wearside, where they will face Sunderland, and the Italian must quickly decide which players are best suited to carry out his ideas.

There has been at least one positive development for the Spurs boss, with Mathys Tel returning to training after suffering an issue during Tottenham’s disappointing 3–0 defeat to Nottingham Forest before the international break. Tel’s return gives De Zerbi another attacking option as he begins shaping his side for the coming matches.

Not all of the injury updates have been positive, however. Despite former manager Igor Tudor previously suggesting that Mohammed Kudus was recovering well and might return after the three-week break in fixtures, the Ghana international was not seen training at Hotspur Way. Kudus has now been sidelined for around three months with a hamstring injury, and his absence continues to limit Tottenham’s attacking options.

There are also a few other players whose fitness will need to be carefully assessed before the upcoming fixture. Ben Davies, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Pape Matar Sarr are among those who could potentially return to the squad after dealing with injury problems. Sarr, in particular, picked up a shoulder issue while representing Senegal national football team during the international break, and his availability will depend on how he responds to treatment.

Beyond the tactical work on the training ground, De Zerbi also has several important decisions to make behind the scenes. As he begins what many are calling a potential “Tottenham revolution,” the Italian will need to evaluate not only which players fit his style of play but also how to reshape the squad both on and off the pitch.

With a demanding run of fixtures approaching, the coming days will be vital for De Zerbi as he continues implementing his philosophy and attempts to guide Tottenham toward a stronger finish to the season.