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De Zerbi delighted with Tottenham’s progress as he outlines ambitious plans for new season
22nd July, 2026 09:23 PM
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi says he is encouraged by the club’s progress during the summer transfer window and believes the foundations are being laid for a successful new era ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
After guiding Spurs to Premier League safety following his arrival late last season, the Italian is now overseeing his first full pre-season at Hotspur Way and is pleased with the direction the club is taking.
Speaking to SPURSPLAY, De Zerbi praised the work done so far in strengthening the squad, while revealing that Tottenham’s transfer business is not yet complete.
De Zerbi delighted
“I feel very good because we are working well,” he said.
The North London side has already recruited Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka, Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali this summer, with De Zerbi insisting the club is assembling a squad capable of competing at a much higher level.
“I think we are building a very good team, with some very important new players, and we starting the project in another part of the history of the club.”
The Italian explained that he had spent considerable time studying Tottenham before accepting the job in April and was convinced by the club’s long-term vision.
“I spent a lot of time (understanding the club) before joining in April and I knew very well the ideas of the owner of the club and the plan was clear before the Everton game.”
He believes the project is moving in the right direction, although more transfer activity is expected before the window closes.
“Now we are inside (the project), we are excited with the idea to build a very strong team. Now we have to finish as it’s not finished yet, our transfer market, in and out, but at the moment I’m very happy, very proud and very positive.”
Beyond improving the squad, De Zerbi stressed that creating the right mentality and culture within the club is just as important as signing talented footballers.
“To build a soul, to build a new team with the qualities for sure but with soul, with passion, with all the values we have.”
He added that football extends beyond performances on the pitch, saying players must fully embrace the club and take pride in representing Tottenham.
The Spurs boss also highlighted the character of the club’s new arrivals, describing their personalities as equally valuable as their footballing ability.
“Of course, Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Senesi, Robertson, JP van Hecke, all of them are very important as qualities of the players, for sure, but first of all as a quality and level of the person.”
Last season’s fight
Reflecting on last season’s successful fight against relegation, De Zerbi admitted his immediate focus had been on improving the team’s mentality rather than implementing his preferred tactical style because of the limited time available.
“Last season, I think we reached the target showing character, showing the right spirit. Now we have to push in the style of play, the quality of the play and the organisation.”
With a full pre-season now available, the Italian is eager to develop Tottenham’s style of football and believes the club should be challenging much higher up the table.
“Now we have time, we have everything in the right way, right place and the right position to work and to become better and better and better in the quality of play.”
De Zerbi also outlined his ambitions for the club, insisting Tottenham should be competing among the Premier League’s elite despite the strength of the competition.
“I think Tottenham deserve to compete for the top of the Premier League. I know very well the Premier League is very tough but if you have a good motivation inside of the players, a good organisation on the pitch and outside of the pitch, I think you work well and at the end you reach your target.”
The former Brighton manager concluded by thanking Tottenham supporters for the warm reception he has received since taking charge, while promising to repay their faith with performances and results.
“I feel a big responsibility because they (the fans) loved me at the beginning in my time at Tottenham and it is a pleasure to be Tottenham coach. At the same time, I feel responsibility to give results, to give pride when they are in the stands and when we are on the pitch and to build a great Tottenham.”
