SYDNEY — Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has issued a passionate rallying cry to his squad, urging them to play with “soul and passion” as the London club undergoes a massive rebuild following a disastrous Premier League campaign. Spurs narrowly avoided relegation last season, surviving by the skin of their teeth in 17th place. Speaking from Sydney during the club’s pre-season tour, the Italian tactician emphasized that football demands total dedication both on and off the pitch. To reverse their fortunes ahead of the new campaign kicking off on August 22, the board has backed De Zerbi with an aggressive summer spending spree, securing high-profile signings including midfielders Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, alongside defender Jan Paul van Hecke from his former club Brighton.
The squad overhaul also features veteran free transfers Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. Spurs kicked off their pre-season preparations with a promising 2-0 victory against A-League champions Auckland FC in New Zealand, courtesy of goals from Dane Scarlett and Richarlison. While De Zerbi utilized a youth-heavy lineup for the majority of the match before introducing established stars like Conor Gallagher, he expressed immense satisfaction that the team kept a clean sheet and suffered no injuries. Hinting at further summer arrivals, the manager noted that ongoing discussions with the club’s ownership reflect a shared ambition to restore Tottenham to its former glory.
