Tottenham Hotspur took a massive step in the right direction this past Sunday, climbing out of the Premier League relegation zone with a crucial win over Aston Villa. That victory marked their second in a row, extending an unbeaten run to three matches—a stark contrast to the struggles that plagued the squad under previous manager Igor Tudor.
For many, this turnaround has come as a pleasant surprise. Roberto De Zerbi arrived with a reputation as a fiery, demanding figure—someone who calls out players, sets sky-high standards, and refuses to compromise until his vision is fully realized. But at Tottenham, we're seeing a different side of the Italian coach. He's softened his approach, showing more adaptability and moderation, especially when facing the media.
Under Tudor, the narrative was often one of gloom. His press conferences felt negative, piling onto a situation that was already bleak. Instead of lifting the players' spirits, they seemed to kick them while they were down. De Zerbi, however, seems to understand the assignment far better. He's toned down the intensity and made it clear that this squad has what it takes to win games.
Last month, De Zerbi famously declared that Tottenham could win every remaining match. "Every one of us knows it is a tough moment," he said. "But we have another five games, 15 points, and this team is able to win five games in a row." At the time, that optimism felt out of place—even confusing to some fans. But it's proven to be a masterstroke. Spurs have taken seven points from a possible nine, proving that a shift in mindset can make all the difference.
Rather than feeding the negativity, De Zerbi has offered genuine hope. Before the Villa match, he even called out the press for spreading doom and gloom, choosing instead to focus on the strengths of his squad. "The voice says we are unlucky, we have too many injuries, we lost Xavi Simons—but we have what we have," he said. It's a message of resilience that seems to be resonating deeply, both in the dressing room and among the fans.