The Italian manager brought his squad to Marbella for a training camp designed to address the problems behind Tottenham’s poor start. Spurs have gone six league matches without a victory and sit bottom of the table despite spending more than £380 million on 10 new players during the summer, according to reports.
De Zerbi explained that the camp was about more than work on the training pitch. He wanted players to spend time together away from football and improve their relationships by removing a familiar distraction during meals.
“We worked on the pitch, and we spent time together. We removed phones during breakfast, lunch and dinner so that we could be together, because nowadays people are on their phones all the time,” he said.
The manager also arranged a series of meetings to discuss the team’s situation and the responsibility each player must take for turning results around.
“We held two or three important meetings where we talked about football, our situation and how everyone has to take responsibility. There were also some dinners just for the players and others just for the staff.”
The measures reflect De Zerbi’s search for a solution to a difficult opening stretch in north London. Tottenham have recruited heavily, but the additions have yet to translate into consistent league results, leaving the manager under pressure to improve performances.
De Zerbi has used similar training camps during his previous work at Marseille and believes that coaches must be prepared to try different approaches when a team is struggling.
“As a coach, you know you have to improve and change the situation. That is why you try to find every possible solution,” he said.
However, he was keen to stress that the camp was not intended to impose excessive discipline on the squad. The phone restriction was limited to mealtimes, rather than a blanket ban on personal freedom.
“We didn’t have military discipline. I love freedom,” De Zerbi added.
Tottenham were due to host Coventry City on Monday, with the match offering another opportunity to secure their first league victory. The camp may have helped the squad spend more time together, but the immediate test will be whether that work produces a stronger performance on the pitch.
For De Zerbi, the priority is to turn the team’s early-season difficulties around. The new rules are one part of that effort, alongside tactical work and conversations about the collective responsibility required to improve results.