Roberto De Zerbi finally has the chance to begin installing the core principles of his philosophy into the Tottenham Hotspur squad.
Roberto De Zerbi could have as many as 17 players at his disposal when he walks through the doors at Hotspur Way on July 1. This summer, the 47-year-old, who replaced Igor Tudor with just seven Premier League games to spare last season, will finally have the chance to lay the foundations to his project.
There will be a strong English contingent on the training pitches in the early weeks of pre-season. Dominic Solanke, James Maddison, Conor Gallagher, and Archie Gray were left at home by Thomas Tuchel; meanwhile, Will Lankshear, Alfie Devine, and Mikey Moore will hope to make a good first impression following their respective loan spells.
Richarlison, who only has a year left on his contract, will have a point to prove as well, as he fights for his future in north London. As for Mathys Tel, he established himself as a key player under De Zerbi, so he'll be determined to build on a promising end to the season.
There could be a hole in the middle of the park, though, with Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr, and Rodrigo Bentancur at the World, Joao Palhinha yet to sign permanently, and Yves Bissouma no longer under contract.
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Sandro Tonali and Matheus Fernandes, who remain linked with moves to Tottenham, would certainly fill that gap. De Zerbi may also have a slightly lop-sided backline to begin with, comprising four left-backs – Andrew Robertson, who's recently signed from Liverpool on a free transfer, Ben Davies, Destiny Udogie, and Souza – and two centre-backs – Radu Dragusin and Ashley Phillips.
The Spurs boss will be spoiled for choice between the sticks, though, with Guglielmo Vicario, Antonín Kinský, and Brandon Austin all set to be available. That said, the former has been heavily linked with a move away from Tottenham.
The likes of Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert, Dejan Kulusevski, and Mohammed Kudus may show face, but they're all nursing their respective injuries.
When De Zerbi took the reins in April, he was tasked with steadying the ship and, ultimately, keeping Tottenham in the English top flight. In his first press conference as Spurs head coach, he outlined his plan to build the players' confidence and promote a shift in mentality.
The Italian claimed that he had 'no time' to establish the core principles of his philosophy. So, instead, the Lilywhites went back to square one, with De Zerbi focused on organising the team with and without the ball.
He simply demanded 'character' and the 'right spirit', as well as the 'right courage to play and attack'. Six weeks or so later, when Tottenham had escaped relegation from the Premier League, De Zerbi immediately turned his attention to next season.
Speaking to reporters after a nervy win over Everton on the final day of the campaign, he claimed his side need to learn from the experience. De Zerbi said: "Will we be stronger for this? If we remember this day, for sure.
"Next season, we have to keep in our mind [what has happened], to give our best in every training session. If we remember this it will be easier."
He continued: "We have not to change too many players. We have 10, 11, 12 players who are good enough to stay – good enough as players and especially people. Then we have to complete the squad with the first-level of players because we suffer too much.
"We are Tottenham, and we can’t suffer like this until the last second of the last game to stay up. My target now is finished, to stay up. My [next] target is to start pre-season with the team in my dream, in my head."