Following a challenging season that saw the club narrowly avoid relegation with a 17th-place finish, Tottenham is undergoing a significant transformation. Manager De Zerbi, currently leading the team on a pre-season tour in Sydney, has emphasized that he expects a renewed sense of purpose when the new campaign kicks off on August 22. He is focused on building a squad defined by quality and professional dedication, stating his desire to develop a team with "soul, with passion, with all the values we have."
The manager stressed that the modern game demands more than just on-pitch performance, noting that a player's commitment to their profession extends into their daily lives. To support this vision, Tottenham has been active in the transfer market. Recent high-profile additions include midfielders Mateus Fernandes from West Ham and Sandro Tonali from Newcastle, alongside the acquisition of centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke from De Zerbi's former club, Brighton. Furthermore, the club has bolstered its ranks with free transfers, bringing in full-back Andy Robertson, centre-back Marcos Senesi, and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Tottenham’s pre-season preparations began with a 2-0 victory over A-League champions Auckland FC in New Zealand, featuring goals from Dane Scarlett and Richarlison. De Zerbi utilized a mix of younger players before introducing established stars like Conor Gallagher and Ben Davies in the final 30 minutes. Reflecting on the match, the manager expressed satisfaction that the team avoided injuries and kept a clean sheet. Looking ahead, Tottenham is scheduled to face Sydney FC on Wednesday, followed by a match against London rivals Chelsea three days later.
De Zerbi hinted that the squad could see further additions before the transfer window closes. He confirmed frequent discussions with the club's owner and board, noting their shared ambition to construct a strong team capable of restoring the club to future success.
Spurs have embarked on an aggressive summer of spending to boost their fortunes after avoiding the drop by coming 17th, but it was a nail-biting outcome that went down to the wire.
The Italian added: "Football now is not just on the pitch, it's not just with the ball, it's before, it's in life. It's how many hours during the day you think about your job."
