Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi believes that rebuilding the spirit and mentality of the squad will be crucial to achieving a revival following two seasons near the foot of the Premier League table. The 47-year-old, who took over in March and guided the club to safety on the final day of last season, insists that a busy summer recruitment window alone will not deliver long-term success.
What happened?
Tottenham have already recruited several players, including Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Cole Ramsey, and Martin Dubravka. However, De Zerbi has explained that there is more to come and that his players must build a camaraderie to achieve big things.
Why it matters for Tottenham Hotspur?
The Italian coach wants supporters to identify his side not only by their style of play but through their commitment and character. He believes that the qualities of the players are not enough, and that they must put something more, something of themselves, something they feel inside of them, to compete with the top teams in the world.
What comes next?
Tottenham begin their new Premier League campaign against Brentford on 22 August. The future of centre-back Cristian Romero is less certain, with the Argentine rumoured to be leaving the club this summer. In recent days, he has been linked with a shock move to north London rivals Arsenal.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 17th in Premier League, 41 pts, 10W-11D-17L from 38 games, recent form WLDWW. Goals this season: 48 scored, 57 conceded (-9 goal difference). Title race: 44 points behind leaders Arsenal. Currently sidelined: Wilson Odobert, Xavi Simons, Dominic Solanke, James Maddison, Mohammed Kudus.
