Roberto De Zerbi has quickly adjusted Tottenham's preparation, trimming session load, stretching training time with the ball and identifying key players while the club faces a critical Premier League test
The arrival of Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham has already produced visible changes on the training ground. After roughly ten days working with the first team, the new head coach has altered both the rhythm and the content of sessions as he prepares the squad for a demanding spell of fixtures.
Rather than piling on volume, De Zerbi has chosen a measured approach to daily work, prioritizing technical repetition and specialist attention to reduce injury risk. The shift is notable given that the team had a prolonged break between matches following exits from cup competitions.
These early adjustments are not cosmetic. They reflect a broader philosophy that De Zerbi has applied elsewhere: sustained ball involvement, longer single sessions and careful load management to keep players available and sharp. That strategy has immediate implications for squad selection and for Tottenham’s bid to climb out of the relegation zone.
At the same time, the club has had to confront an untimely development: Mohammed Kudus returned to team training only to be withdrawn for further specialist assessment and possible surgery, an issue that complicates De Zerbi’s plans.
What has changed in training
De Zerbi’s methods contrast with those used under Igor Tudor and Thomas Frank, with staff and players noting a different tempo and focus. Sessions have been extended in duration and structured around continuous ball work, with fewer or no double sessions despite the recent schedule gap. This is rooted in an emphasis on quality over quantity — the coach prefers longer, technically rich drills that replicate match rhythms rather than increasing overall training load. The approach aims to improve cohesion among attacking players while protecting their physical condition through controlled volumes.
Technical emphasis and session design
The session design favours compact exercises that replicate transition moments and pressing triggers. De Zerbi places a premium on situational drills where players can rehearse decision-making with the ball; these situations are repeated until they become instinctive. Staff describe this as a focus on positional principles and ball circulation that develops both individual skills and collective patterns. The coach’s intention is to place the squad in scenarios that force quick choices, which should translate into more fluid performances under match pressure.
Player priorities and squad message
From the start, De Zerbi has highlighted a group of players he wants to influence directly. Among those singled out are Mohammed Kudus, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Mathys Tel, Randal Kolo Muani and Richarlison. He has publicly spoken about the need to put attackers in positions to show their best qualities and has admitted prior interest in some individuals during his time at other clubs. The obvious objective is to unlock attacking potential by adapting training to enhance confidence, movement and finishing in match-like contexts.
Managing expectations and player welfare
De Zerbi’s message combines high expectations with protective measures. The decision to avoid two-a-day sessions during a long break is part of a deliberate plan to limit overload and prevent injuries. The club’s recent update on Kudus — who had only just rejoined training before requiring further assessment — underscores how delicate that balance is. Tottenham medical staff will now conduct specialist reviews to determine the next steps, which could include surgical intervention if necessary.
Context on the pitch and immediate priorities
On the competitive front, Tottenham face a clear short-term goal: secure results to move away from relegation danger. The upcoming away match at Sunderland is presented as a must-win test given the club’s current standing. De Zerbi has watched plenty of Tottenham matches to prepare tactically, but he also stresses that real assessment comes from working directly with players on the training pitch. His immediate tasks are both pragmatic — steady the dressing room, manage fitness — and tactical, by shaping systems that make the best use of the squad’s attacking resources.
Final thoughts
Early indicators suggest De Zerbi brings a clear blueprint: prolonged, ball-focused sessions, disciplined load management, and targeted work with attackers he trusts to change games. How quickly those changes produce improved results will determine the success of his early tenure. For now, attention turns to team selection, the medical verdict on key players, and how swiftly Tottenham can translate refined training routines into consistent performances on matchday.
