De Zerbi credits Spurs reset and key returns after Coventry win
Tottenham have climbed to 16th after beating Coventry 3-1 on Monday night, with Roberto De Zerbi crediting a frank dressing-room reset and the return of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the lift in mood.
Spurs had been bottom of the table during a difficult opening to the campaign, but their recent results have changed the atmosphere around the club. The Coventry win followed a hard-earned 1-1 draw away to Manchester United and has given De Zerbi’s side vital room ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.
How Tottenham changed course
- On the eve of the trip to Old Trafford, De Zerbi held a major squad meeting to confront Tottenham’s position and demand accountability from his players.
- Spurs then drew 1-1 with Manchester United, a result De Zerbi saw as evidence that his side could compete and take points against Premier League opponents.
- The squad travelled to Marbella last week for warm-weather work, with the manager using the camp to build stronger relationships away from daily football pressures.
- Tottenham followed that trip with a 3-1 win over Coventry, their latest step away from the bottom of the table.
De Zerbi said the scoreline mattered, but insisted the larger gains were his players recognising that they can win matches and accepting their individual responsibility for the club’s situation.
He has placed more importance on togetherness than tactical adjustment. The Italian wants his team to react to difficult moments as a united group, rather than functioning as disconnected individuals on the pitch.
“Time together has been important because we want to become a family,” De Zerbi said. “When a match becomes difficult, you must fight for the player beside you — for your friend, your brother — not perform like 11 robots.”
Maddison and Kulusevski return
Maddison made his first competitive start for 536 days and opened the scoring with a standout goal, underlining the quality Tottenham have missed during his lengthy absence.
Kulusevski also returned from the bench, making his first appearance since the serious knee injury he suffered in May 2025. His comeback added further emotion to a significant night for the home side.
De Zerbi believes both players bring more than technical quality. He described Maddison and Kulusevski as distinct personalities with different talents and experience, but said their presence changes the feeling inside the squad.
With key players returning, the Spurs manager now has greater scope to establish the attacking football he wants. The immediate challenge is to turn the renewed belief and unity into regular results.
What happens next
Tottenham face a sharp test on Saturday when they travel across London to meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
