Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham Hotspur’s head coach, has adopted a highly personal and unconventional approach in his efforts to reshape the club this summer, including a notably frank message to new signing Jan Paul van Hecke. Van Hecke, who joined Spurs from Brighton for £52 million in June, received a candid text from De Zerbi shortly after Tottenham narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of the previous Premier League season. The coach told him, in explicit language, that he had “no choice” but to join Spurs after nearly contributing to their relegation with an assist for Brighton during a 2-2 draw earlier in the campaign.
Tottenham has spent approximately £237 million in this transfer window so far and plans to add two or three more players, with at least two intended to be attackers. De Zerbi, 47, who took over on March 31 with the club in a precarious position, has described himself as a “shark” in the market, relishing the challenge of personally recruiting players. He emphasized the importance of the coach initiating contact directly, believing it fosters a stronger bond and motivates players to repay that trust, rather than relying on sporting directors to handle transfers.
De Zerbi also recounted speaking with the parents of other new signings such as Mateus Fernandes, indicating his commitment to building connections beyond conventional channels. His style has been described as passionate and emotionally intelligent, earning respect from players who appreciate his directness and the positive environment he seeks to create.
Reflecting on his arrival at Tottenham, De Zerbi revealed a candid moment following his debut 1-0 defeat to Sunderland. Upon entering the dressing room, he found players emotionally distraught, some lying on the floor and crying. He sought to shift the mood by promoting positivity and holding a team dinner at Bacchanalia in Mayfair where alcohol was served, which he described as “a good medicine” when enjoyed responsibly. This social event was part of his broader strategy to foster unity and restore confidence within the squad.
One player De Zerbi is keen to retain is striker Dominic Solanke, whose 2025-26 season was hampered by ankle and hamstring injuries. The coach praised Solanke’s quality and versatility, stressing that the player’s performance depends largely on his confidence. De Zerbi believes Solanke is capable of scoring 15-20 Premier League goals when fully fit and confident and intends to wait until the transfer window closes to make further decisions regarding the striker.
De Zerbi’s management philosophy centers on freedom and mutual respect, emphasizing the need for daily mental focus and dedication. He states he avoids imposing strict rules, preferring to demand commitment and effort from players while allowing them individuality. This approach aims to harness creativity and build a team culture founded on trust, responsibility, and shared ambition.
With Tottenham emerging from a challenging period, De Zerbi’s combination of direct communication, emotional engagement, and strategic recruitment is positioning the club for a transformative summer in North London.