De Zerbi challenges Spurs to ignite fans against Everton
By Joel Masibo, September 12, 2026Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has challenged his players to produce an energetic start against Everton and give supporters something to cheer about when the two sides meet at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
Spurs head into the fourth matchday of the 2026/27 Premier League season still searching for their first victory, with De Zerbi acknowledging that the campaign has not begun as the club would have wanted.
However, the Italian believes his squad is gradually improving and wants to see that progress reflected in their performance against David Moyes’ Everton.
With the Toffees visiting north London, De Zerbi has called on his players to approach the contest with confidence, intensity and determination from the opening whistle.
He believes a strong beginning could help reconnect the team with the home supporters and create the atmosphere needed to push Tottenham forward.
“I would like to see my players playing with courage, with personality, with energy – what we are doing on the pitch on the training ground,” he said during an interview with SPURSPLAY on Friday.
De Zerbi specifically wants his team to make an immediate impact during the opening stages rather than allowing Everton to settle into the contest.
“I would like the players start the game, the first 10 minutes, with energy to deserve the support of the fans, I can say I know this stadium, especially after last season, the last games with me in my time, they were fantastic in our stadium.
“And now, I think they are waiting for a signal from us. And for that, I would like to start the game with personality, with energy, with pressure, with qualities to bring them inside of the pitch.”
The Spurs boss is therefore expecting his players to set the tone from the outset, believing their attitude and intensity can encourage the supporters to become an important factor in the match.
With Tottenham still without a league win this season, De Zerbi will hope his demand for courage and personality translates into a much-improved display against Everton.