Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi says the club’s summer rebuild is far from complete, revealing that more transfer business is expected before the window closes…reports London Daily News Desk
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has indicated that the club’s summer recruitment drive is not over, saying further arrivals and departures are expected before the transfer window closes as Spurs continue their squad rebuild ahead of the new Premier League season.
The north London club have already spent around £237 million on new signings, including reported deals worth £100 million for midfielder Sandro Tonali and £85 million for Mateus Fernandes, as De Zerbi prepares for his first full campaign in charge.
Despite the heavy investment, the Italian insisted the transfer business remains unfinished and said the club are continuing to shape a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
“I feel very good because we are working well. I think we are building a very good team, with some very important new players, and we are starting the project in another part of the history of the club,” De Zerbi told SpursPlay.
The 46-year-old explained that he spent considerable time understanding Tottenham’s long-term vision before taking charge in April and said the club’s ambitions matched his own.
“I spent a lot of time (understanding the club) before joining in April and I knew very well the ideas of the owner of the club and the plan was clear before the Everton game.
“Now we are inside (the project), we are excited with the idea to build a very strong team. Now we have to finish as it is not finished yet, our transfer market, in and out, but at the moment I am very happy, very proud and very positive.”
De Zerbi stressed that his vision for Tottenham extends beyond assembling talented footballers, saying he wants to build a squad with the right mentality and character.
“To build a soul, to build a new team with the qualities for sure but with soul, with passion, with all the values we have.
“Football now is not just on the pitch, it’s not just with the ball, it is before in the private life, it is how many hours during the day you think you are doing your job and they have to be happy and proud to stay in Tottenham.”
The Italian oversaw a remarkable turnaround after taking charge late last season, steering Spurs away from relegation despite the club having finished 17th in each of the previous two Premier League campaigns.
Looking ahead, De Zerbi believes Tottenham should once again be challenging near the top of English football, although he acknowledged the competitiveness of the Premier League.
“I think Tottenham deserve to compete for the top of the Premier League.
“I know very well the Premier League is very tough, but if you have a good motivation inside of the players, a good organisation on the pitch and outside of the pitch, I think you work well and at the end you reach your target.”
Tottenham’s summer overhaul has already been one of the busiest in the Premier League, and De Zerbi’s comments suggest further activity is likely before the transfer deadline as the club looks to accelerate its rebuilding project and return to the upper reaches of the table.
