Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi says the club must have a strong mentality if they want to survive the Premier League next season,
Roberto De Zerbi believes Tottenham Hotspur must rebuild their mentality and team spirit if they are to move away from the relegation struggles that have defined the club’s past two Premier League campaigns.
De Zerbi took charge in March and helped Spurs avoid relegation, with the club eventually finishing just one place above the drop zone. However, the Italian knows a dramatic improvement will be required if Tottenham are to return to competing near the top of the table.
Tottenham have been among the Premier League’s busiest clubs in the transfer market, bringing in Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, and Martin Dubravka. De Zerbi has also suggested that further additions could still arrive before the transfer window closes.
“In the transfer market, we’re not finished yet. We’re looking forward to start another season with different ambitions and results,” De Zerbi said.
The new Spurs boss, though, believes recruitment alone will not solve the problems that have held the club back. For him, the biggest challenge is creating a team with the mentality and character required to compete consistently against the Premier League’s strongest sides.
“I usually think about the soul, passion, spirit and mentality of the team and then the improvement we can do in the future, because I can’t stay with the focus just on the present,” he said.
De Zerbi wants Tottenham supporters to identify with the team through more than just its football. He believes players must demonstrate commitment, personality and a willingness to fight for the shirt if Spurs are to close the gap on the Premier League’s elite.
“The qualities of the players are not enough. If you don’t put something more, something of yourself, something you feel inside of you, it’s very tough to compete with the top teams in the world, in the Premier League,” he added.
Tottenham will get their first opportunity to show whether De Zerbi’s message has translated onto the pitch when they begin the new Premier League season against Brentford on August 22. With a significantly strengthened squad and a new manager demanding a stronger mentality, Spurs will be hoping this marks the beginning of a much-needed revival.
