Tottenham's Roberto De Zerbi Stresses Importance of Pride in Playing for the Club

Tottenham's head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, has emphasized the importance of pride in playing for the club, stating that any player who is not happy or proud to stay should consider leaving. De Zerbi made this stance ahead of the team's pre-season tour to New Zealand and Australia, where they will face Auckland City FC in their opening match. The Italian coach has been clear in his expectations, saying 'If you don't want to stay in Tottenham, if you are not happy, if you are not proud to stay here, has to leave.'

In a recent development, Lucas Bergvall, a 20-year-old Swedish midfielder who joined Tottenham in February 2024 for £8.5million, has informed the club of his preference to move on this summer. However, Tottenham rejected a £46million bid for Bergvall from Newcastle United earlier this month, indicating their desire to keep the young player. Bergvall played in all four games at the World Cup as Sweden were knocked out of the tournament by France in the round of 32.

De Zerbi has high praise for Bergvall's talent, stating that he is a big, big talent, but the Italian coach wants to have a conversation with the player in the coming days to discuss his future. He expressed his plan to sit down with Bergvall to make the best decision for the club, the player, and himself. In the meantime, the midfielder will be part of the team's pre-season tour, along with the other 34 players, where they will face Auckland City FC in their opening match.

The pre-season tour marks the beginning of a new era at Tottenham, as De Zerbi continues to shape his squad ahead of the new Premier League season. As part of his recruitment strategy, the Italian coach has been signing experienced players who can strengthen the team's defense and midfield. One of his signings is Andy Robertson, who joined Tottenham from Liverpool as a free agent at the end of last season. Robertson, who has over 350 appearances for Liverpool, has captained Scotland's national team since 2018.

In an effort to increase experience and improve the team's mentality, De Zerbi has brought in several players who will face stiff competition for places in the starting lineup. Midfielders Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr have not traveled with the squad due to extended leave following their World Cup involvements with Uruguay and Senegal, respectively. However, De Zerbi has reassured that he will speak with both players upon their return to discuss their roles in the team.

Tottenham have made six signings this summer, including Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, and De Zerbi expects the club to continue looking for deals before the transfer window closes on September 1. With a focus on attacking reinforcements, the Italian coach believes that the signings will help complete the team's attacking positions. As he works with the new players, De Zerbi is excited about the team's potential going into the new season.

The Italian coach has also expressed his desire to see midfielder Dejan Kulusevski regain fitness after a long injury layoff. Kulusevski, who has not played in over a year, is undergoing rehabilitation at the club's training base. De Zerbi is optimistic that the midfielder will return to full fitness, saying that they have to see him in the next couple of weeks and will analyze his condition before making any decisions.

With their sights set on the new Premier League season, Tottenham are under pressure to deliver results and make the most of their talented squad. De Zerbi's emphasis on pride and commitment will be closely monitored as he shapes his team for the challenges ahead. The pre-season tour marks the beginning of a fresh chapter in the club's history, and fans will be eager to see how De Zerbi's recruitment strategy will yield results.

The team's performance will be closely watched, and expectations are high for this season. As the Italian coach navigates the complexities of team management, De Zerbi's leadership and vision will be critical in guiding the team to success. The pre-season tour offers a glimpse into what Tottenham fans can expect from their team in the upcoming season, and the stakes are high for both the players and the management.