The arrival of Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham Hotspur has sparked a level of energy and anticipation that the club has desperately needed for a long time.
As the Italian manager took charge of his very first training session at Hotspur Way, the atmosphere around the North London club shifted almost instantly. While several key players like Mohammed Kudus, Cristian Romero, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Yves Bissouma were not spotted in the initial footage, the players who were present got a very clear introduction to the high standards and specific philosophy that De Zerbi brings to the table.
This is the start of a brand-new era, and if the early signs are anything to go by, the fans have a lot to be excited about as the team looks to transform its style of play.From the moment the session began, it was obvious that De Zerbi is a manager who leads with passion and a very specific tactical vision. The club shared clips of the training on their official channels, and it didn’t take long for supporters to notice the core principles he is trying to instill.
The focus was heavily placed on quick passing and finding ways to beat an opponent’s press. These are the hallmarks of “De Zerbi-ball,” a style that requires every player on the pitch to be comfortable with the ball at their feet and intelligent enough to find space in tight areas. Even in these early stages, the manager was seen and heard constantly demanding more from his group, pushing them to think faster and move with more purpose.
The reaction from the players themselves has been overwhelmingly positive. Reports following the first day of training suggest that the squad has already bought into what the new boss is selling. Many players reportedly went home giving “rave reviews” of the session. One player even told his close friends that the work on the pitch was “outstanding,” and many others shared similar glowing reports about the quality and intensity of the coaching.
This is a massive boost for a club that has struggled with morale during a difficult 2026. Hearing that the players are already enjoying the new methods is the best news the supporters could have asked for as they head into a vital run of fixtures. In the training footage, you can actually hear De Zerbi coaching his players through various drills. During a rondo exercise, which is a game of keep-away in a small circle, he stressed the absolute importance of limited touches and constant movement.
He was heard telling the players that with one or two touches, it should be impossible to lose the ball when they have the numerical advantage. He also encouraged them to “enjoy” the ball but reminded them that enjoyment comes from moving effectively and giving their teammates options. It is clear that he wants his Tottenham side to be a team that dictates the game through possession rather than just reacting to what the other team does.
Another key part of his message focused on how to handle teams that try to mark man-to-man. De Zerbi explained that against that kind of pressure, the speed of the passing must increase. He wants his players to actually “attract the pressure” from the opposition. This is a brave way to play football; it involves inviting the other team to come forward so that Spurs can then pass around them and exploit the space left behind.
He told the squad that the opponent’s movement should decide how fast they play. If the other team stays back, Spurs can be patient, but as soon as the opponent steps up to press, the ball must move quickly to find the open man. This philosophy of building from the very back of the pitch is something that will take time to perfect, but the work has clearly started in earnest.Beyond the tactical drills, De Zerbi also made a point of connecting with the younger talents in the squad.
He seems particularly interested in the next generation of Spurs stars. During the session, he was seen with his arm around Lucas Bergvall, engaging the young Swede in deep conversations about positioning and movement across different parts of the field. He also spent time with Mathys Tel, giving him specific advice on his awareness—teaching him exactly where to look and how to position his body before receiving a pass.
Archie Gray was another player who received a lot of attention, with the manager frequently calling out his name to give instructions. It is clear that De Zerbi views these 20-year-olds as central to his long-term project.This hands-on approach is exactly what a young, talented squad needs. By focusing on the details of body shape, head movement, and passing angles, De Zerbi is building a foundation of technical excellence. The players aren’t just running; they are learning a new language of football.
While the club still has to deal with the immediate pressure of the league table and the absence of some senior stars who are still away or recovering, the energy at Hotspur Way is undeniably different. There is a sense of purpose and a clear direction that has been missing for a while.As the team prepares for their upcoming matches, the challenge will be to take these training ground lessons and apply them under the pressure of a Premier League game.
De Zerbi knows he doesn’t have a lot of time, but his enthusiasm is infectious. If the players continue to respond with “rave reviews” and “outstanding” performances in practice, it won’t be long before the fans start seeing the results on the pitch. The “De Zerbi era” is officially here, and while it will require patience and hard work, the first steps have been incredibly promising.
For the first time in months, there is a genuine feeling that Tottenham is moving in the right direction, led by a manager who knows exactly what he wants and players who are eager to give it to him.
