New Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi is turning to a classic Italian football tradition in an attempt to galvanize his struggling squad. With Spurs languishing in the Premier League relegation zone, De Zerbi recently took the entire team for a dinner at London's Bacchanalia restaurant in Mayfair.
This team-building exercise is a well-known tactic in Serie A, often used to foster camaraderie and unity, especially during difficult periods. The move highlights De Zerbi's immediate focus on repairing the squad's mentality following a turbulent season that has seen multiple managerial changes.
However, this approach carries a recent cautionary tale for Spurs. Former coach Igor Tudor, who also learned his trade in Italy, attempted a similar bonding exercise last February. It failed to translate into results, as Tudor departed without securing a single Premier League victory.
Undeterred, De Zerbi is prioritizing psychological readiness over tactical drills for now. After a debut loss to Sunderland, the Italian manager emphasized his current mission, stating, “My job now is not to coach a style... but try to give the players what they need in terms of mentality.” He aims to bridge the gap between training ground performance and matchday execution, trusting that a unified team spirit is the first step toward climbing the table.
