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Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who worked under Roberto De Zerbi, has offered a revealing insight into what Tottenham can expect, with his verdict only adding to the growing intrigue around the Italian’s arrival.

While not many took to the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as Tottenham Hotspur manager, glowing reviews have now begun to come in for the new Spurs boss.

Jay Bothroyd is one of the few to have praised the appointment of De Zerbi, with the former Premier League striker going as far as to state that he expects the former Brighton manager to secure European football next season.

Neal Maupay also handed praise to De Zerbi, stating that he is a fantastic appointment for Tottenham, although he had his reservations as to how he will fare in a relegation scrap.

Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg praises Roberto De Zerbi impact

A previous comment from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is now likely to resonate with Spurs supporters.

Hojbjerg was a regular presence in Roberto De Zerbi’s midfield during the Italian’s spell at Olympique de Marseille, and when speaking to Onze Mondial in November 2025, the Denmark international was full of praise for his then manager – comments that are sure to fuel excitement among the Tottenham faithful.

Speaking about De Zerbi’s influence and his connection with players, Hojbjerg said: “I have been lucky enough to have coaches like [Pep] Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, and Antonio Conte. And I put Roberto De Zerbi in the same category.

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“Over the next 20 years, coach De Zerbi is going to contribute enormously to football. And for me, it is an honour to work with him. The coach… I do not know how to explain it. He has a connection with the dressing room, he has an emotional relationship with the dressing room, Mourinho had the same thing.

“Roberto De Zerbi has a feel for the dressing room, he understands the atmosphere, he grasps the behaviours, he knows in advance what is going to happen the next day… (he pauses). Okay, I will stop there, otherwise I will end up saying too many wonderful things (smiles). It is an honour to work with such a coach, in any case.”

Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi earns Pep Guardiola praise

Hojbjerg is not alone in his assessment of De Zerbi. Pep Guardiola also had glowing reviews of the new Spurs boss when he was manager of Brighton.

When speaking about the Italian in 2023, Guardiola highlighted the 46-year-old’s tactical influence and the distinct style of play his teams have become known for.

He said: “I am convinced that Roberto De Zerbi is one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years. There is no team that plays the way they play, it is unique.

“I had the feeling that when he arrived I had an idea the impact he would have on the Premier League would be great, but I could not expect him to do it in such a short time.

“They create on average 20-25 chances per game. They monopolise the ball in a way that has not been seen for a long time. Everybody is involved – the goalkeeper is like a holding midfielder.”

Roberto De Zerbi’s former goalkeeper coach has now revealed exactly what the Italian demands from his goalkeepers, and it could spell trouble for Guglielmo Vicario at Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur’s new head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, has already taken charge of his first training session as Spurs boss ahead of their clash with Sunderland next weekend.

De Zerbi is well aware that he has just seven games to turn the fortunes of Tottenham around as they battle against relegation this season.

As it stands, a single point is the difference between the Lilywhites and their London rivals, West Ham United.

De Zerbi, in his first interview with the club’s media, already made it clear that he will not have enough time to pass on all his principles to the players, but he did acknowledge his love for an attacking brand of football.

Tottenham goalkeepers: Jack Stern reveals Roberto De Zerbi expectations

The Italian’s comments about how much he loves football were very similar to Neal Maupay, who told Spurs fans what they can expect from their new manager.

Now Jack Stern, who worked as a goalkeeping coach under De Zerbi in the past, has provided more insight on the new Spurs boss, this time focusing on the goalkeeping department.

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Speaking about what De Zerbi demands from his goalkeepers, particularly their role in build-up play and tactical understanding, Stern told Sky Sports:

“He wants all of the things that any coach wants from a goalkeeper in terms of keeping the ball out the net and doing all those normal goalkeeper things.

“And then on top of that he wants the goalkeeper to be so involved in the build up to understand… I think the biggest thing is understanding tactically how the team plays I think the goalkeeper is very responsible for that.

“So there is a lot of focus on that in training, he works hard with the goalkeepers, he is very involved in terms of what the goalkeepers do in training. And again you see the level that the goalkeepers get to when they work with him, it is a new level.

“I do not think he will be able to fully implement all of his ideas straight away but I think the big thing he will have – the big effect he will have on his players is his belief, whether it is totally in the way he wants to play or not, but his belief in we can get results, we can play like this, we can have success together.

“He is so infectious with that belief that it is going to rub off on the staff there, the players there, the goalkeepers and I think that can… he is a special person and he can go in and have an effect that not many people could do in seven games.”

Spurs goalkeeping dilemma: Guglielmo Vicario vs Antonin Kinsky

Jack Stern’s comments only leave questions about who will be the number one at Tottenham, given the contrasting abilities of Guglielmo Vicario and Antonin Kinsky.

Kinsky is definitely the better option when it comes to playing out from the back with his feet, which is a fundamental basic in De Zerbi’s tactics, where he often baits teams to press only to play through them.

Vicario, on the other hand, could be one of the biggest losers from the appointment of De Zerbi, given his inability to play out from the back.

The Italian is guilty of often hoofing balls long and at times out of play when receiving possession this season. Such a style will be far from ideal in De Zerbi’s system, and that could see him lose his spot as number one.

We have taken a look at five Tottenham Hotspur players who could play a pivotal role in Roberto De Zerbi’s first game against Sunderland AFC.

Roberto De Zerbi has already begun settling into life in north London following his appointment earlier this week.

The new Spurs boss has since sat down with the club for his first interview, addressing several issues and outlining what is to come under his reign.

His first game, however, does not come until April 12, when Tottenham face Sunderland in the Premier League after almost a month without action due to the international break, along with no FA Cup or Champions League commitments.

With that fixture in mind, we have now taken a look at five players who could play a pivotal role in earning De Zerbi his first win at Tottenham.

Antonin Kinsky has a chance to take the Tottenham number one spot

Based on his setup at previous clubs, it is clear that De Zerbi prefers players who are comfortable on the ball.

In his first interview with Tottenham, the former Brighton manager stated that he attacks with 11 and defends with 11, highlighting just how vital every player on the pitch is.

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However, the big question then becomes Antonin Kinsky or Guglielmo Vicario? Based on their displays, the general perception is that Vicario struggles with his feet, with even the official Premier League page controversially poking fun at the Spurs number one.

Kinsky, on the other hand, is generally viewed as much better with the ball at his feet, although his howlers at Atletico Madrid have dented that particular reputation.

Kinsky will feature next weekend, given Vicario’s injury, handing him a unique chance at redemption. His ball-playing ability could be crucial if Spurs are to get off to a winning start under their new boss.

Cristian Romero’s form on Argentina duty must continue

Cristian Romero, the Tottenham captain for now, could also play a big role if Spurs are to secure all three points at the Stadium of Light.

It may sound strange given that Romero was visibly not giving his all when Nottingham Forest added a second last time out, where he was seen jogging back rather sluggishly.

But Romero has since taken responsibility and stated he will give everything in the final seven games.

He should fit naturally into De Zerbi’s system due to his ball-playing ability and desire to improve Spurs’ situation.

De Zerbi is also likely to get a confident Romero following his impressive displays with Argentina during the international break, and if he carries that form to north London, Spurs could be looking at a first win under their Italian boss.

In-form Archie Gray will be crucial for De Zerbi

Seeing Archie Gray included on our list of players who could be vital for De Zerbi against Sunderland will not surprise many Spurs fans, given his impressive displays this season.

There is a strong argument that the youngster has been the standout player under the two managers who have taken charge of Tottenham this season.

Under Igor Tudor, Gray looked confident, unafraid to get on the ball in midfield and dictate play – performing like a product of la maisa.

He also carried that form into England U21 duty, grabbing a goal for his country. If he continues playing at that level, he will be crucial for De Zerbi when Spurs travel to Sunderland.

Mohammed Kudus races against time for De Zerbi’s first game

Another player who could be crucial next weekend is Mohammed Kudus. Spurs have clearly lacked a real threat on the right since his injury.

Igor Tudor revealed that the Ghanaian was set for a return around the end of the international break.

Still, Kudus was not seen in De Zerbi’s first training session, although that does not rule him out of the Sunderland clash.

De Zerbi is known to be a big fan, having tried to sign him while at Brighton. The two could now work together in the coming days, and if it clicks, Kudus could make a real difference – though Spurs will be hoping he is ready in time.

Richarlison’s role under Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham

While De Zerbi may find selection straightforward in other areas, choosing a centre-forward could prove more difficult.

As it stands, Richarlison, Dominic Solanke and Kolo Muani are all fit, giving the Spurs boss a variety of options. There is, however, a feeling that Richarlison could be his preferred choice against Sunderland.

The Brazil international has shown he is ready for the fight in this relegation scrap and has also proven his ability in front of goal, netting ten times this season.

He looks suited to De Zerbi’s style, and if selected, it would not be a surprise to see him find the net in such an attacking system.

Tottenham’s January recruits – Mason Melia and James Wilson – made an immediate impact on Saturday, both getting on the scoresheet in a win for the U21s.

Tottenham supporters are still left wondering why the club did not strengthen more aggressively in the January transfer window.

Despite a growing injury list and several players underperforming, Spurs added only Conor Gallagher and Brazilian left-back Souza to the first team, with neither making a major impact so far.

There were even moments when former manager Igor Tudor was forced to name benches filled almost entirely with academy players. To his credit, the Croatian did give several of those youngsters minutes, even in important matches.

The academy itself, which won Premier League 2 in the 2023/24 season, has seen a dip after many key players moved out on loan.

However, there is still plenty of talent coming through, with names such as Callum Olusesi, James Rowswell and Luca Williams-Barnett continuing to impress.

Mason Melia and James Wilson score for Tottenham academy

Alongside the first-team arrivals, Tottenham also brought in two young attackers during the January window in Mason Melia and James Wilson.

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Melia had actually been signed earlier but officially joined this year due to registration rules, while Wilson arrived on loan from Hearts on deadline day, with an option to make the move permanent.

Both players were involved in the academy clash against West Ham United Under-21s. Wilson was named in the starting lineup, while debutant Melia began the match on the bench.

It did not take long for Wilson to make his mark, with the Scottish youngster opening the scoring in the 20th minute after capitalising on a loose pass.

West Ham responded with two goals before the break, but Melia levelled things just 3 minutes after he came off the bench for the first time in a Spurs shirt with some sharp positioning inside the box.

Tottenham eventually secured a 3-2 victory after Reiss Russell-Denny forced a late own goal. Watch both the goals below.

Spurs academy set to play key role in Roberto De Zerbi rebuild

Tottenham’s academy has faced criticism in recent years for not producing enough first-team-ready players, with Harry Kane often seen as the exception rather than the norm. However, that narrative could begin to change.

Several players currently out on loan, including Will Lankshear, George Abbott, Jamie Donley, Alfie Dorrington, Yusuf Akhamrich and Dane Scarlett, along with arguably the most exciting of them all, Mikey Moore, are expected to be considered for first-team involvement next season.

Roberto De Zerbi’s arrival could be key to that shift. The Italian is known for demanding high standards from all of his players, regardless of age or status.

That approach could open the door for young players to break through, while also giving them confidence that strong performances will be rewarded.

Tottenham fan favourite Sandro has revealed whether he could return to the club as a coach after Roberto De Zerbi joined as the new head coach.

The former Spurs midfielder was made club captain by De Zerbi at Benevento, and the pair have a very good relationship.

In fact, Sandro has admitted that he always wanted to see the Italian coach take the Spurs job, suggesting that his former boss is an ideal fit for the Lilywhites.

The Brazilian is very confident that the Tottenham players will love working with De Zerbi, talking glowingly about how the 46-year-old plans his training sessions.

Sandro reveals if he could be part of Roberto De Zerbi’s coaching staff at Tottenham

Some have speculated whether De Zerbi could bring the 37-year-old to Tottenham as part of his team, given the midfielder’s understanding of the club and his connection with the fan base.

Sandro has refused to rule out a return to his former club and has teased the supporters about the possibility.

When asked on Last Word On Spurs if he could return to Hotspur Way, the Brazil international said he “doesn’t know yet” and added: “I think you guys will find out in the future.”

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When asked about his relationship with Spurs fans, Sandro said: “I love you guys, I loved you from the beginning. I am Tottenham.”

De Zerbi has already failed to get the assistant he wants at Spurs

The new Tottenham head coach is in the process of finalising his staff, and he has already received a big blow.

Reports indicated that De Zerbi reached out to Italian icon Alessandro Nesta about becoming his assistant at Spurs.

New reports have revealed how Tottenham Hotspur players felt following Roberto De Zerbi’s first training session in north London.

A new era under Roberto De Zerbi has now kicked off at Tottenham Hotspur, with the Italian taking his first training session with his Spurs squad.

However, while many Tottenham players were present in training, others missed out, with Mohammed Kudus, Cristian Romero, Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma among those not spotted.

But that did not prevent the new Spurs boss from getting his principles across to several players on the training pitches at Hotspur Way.

Tottenham training: Roberto De Zerbi leaves Spurs players excited

From the clips provided by the official Tottenham channels, a couple of things stood out from De Zerbi’s work with his group of players.

He looks to have started instilling some of his principles at Tottenham, with an emphasis on quick passes as well as beating the press.

Football.London has now revealed that the Spurs players appear to have bought into their new manager’s training methods.

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It is explained that the players went home with rave reviews of De Zerbi’s first day of training. In fact, one player is said to have told close friends that it was “outstanding”, while numerous others brought glowing reports about the level of the work.

It is hardly surprising to hear such reports, from the players as fans were also given a glimpse of the first training session.

We could hear snippets of what De Zerbi was telling his players, and it all pointed towards what his version of Tottenham will eventually be.

During one rondo, he stressed the importance of quick passing and movement. He said: “One or two touch. With two touch it is impossible to lose the ball because we are five to pass against two. Enjoy, enjoy but you have to move. Enjoy with the ball.

“A lot of teams now they come man to man. Man to man you need to pass the ball. It is important, one touch, two touch.”

He later addressed how he wants his side to deal with pressure, a message that underlines his philosophy of building from the back. He added: “Keep the ball, keep the ball. Attract the pressure. Attract the pressure. The speed of the ball possession, the opponent decides our speed. When they are coming in front, we need to be faster in moving the ball, giving angles, giving solutions.”

Spurs youngsters catch De Zerbi’s eye in training session

Not only was De Zerbi looking to improve the build-up and play-out aspects of Spurs’ game, but the manager also appeared to show interest in a few of his new players.

The Italian made a point of seeking out Lucas Bergvall, placing an arm around the youngster and engaging him in detailed conversations across different areas of the pitch.

De Zerbi was also seen speaking with Mathys Tel during a rondo, seemingly offering guidance on awareness – where to look and how to position his head before passing or turning.

Meanwhile, completing the trio of 20-year-olds, Archie Gray was a constant reference point, with the new Spurs boss frequently calling his name while instructing on the pitch.

Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on an experienced Premier League winger as they look to reshape their squad for Roberto De Zerbi.

While Spurs’ focus right now would be on staying in the Premier League, reports indicate De Zerbi has already held talks with the Tottenham hierarchy regarding summer transfer targets.

The Italian will undoubtedly be keen to put his own imprint on the Spurs squad, with the new Spurs head coach making it clear that he wants to see the side play possession-based, attacking football.

It has been revealed that the North London club have identified a Wales international who can help the team make the required transition.

Tottenham see Harry Wilson as the ‘ideal addition’ to their team

It has now been revealed by TEAMtalk that Tottenham have set their sights on Fulham star Harry Wilson ahead of the summer transfer window.

Wilson is having an outstanding season at Craven Cottage, having scored 11 goals and provided seven assists across all competitions so far.

His displays have brought him to the attention of Tottenham, who are looking to reshape their squad ahead of De Zerbi’s first full season in charge of the club.

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Spurs see Wilson as an ‘ideal addition’ who could deliver immediate impact, given his experience, and the Welshman has now emerged as a ‘key target’.

The report even adds that a move across London is now a ‘concrete possibility’ for the Fulham star. Interestingly, Wilson could be a free agent this summer if he does not sign an extension at Craven Cottage.

Spurs will face plenty of competition for Wilson’s signature

TEAMtalk reveal that the winger is also on the radar of Everton, Aston Villa, Leeds United and Sunderland, all of whom remain ‘firmly in the mix’ for his signature.

The outlet claims to have also heard from sources that Liverpool have not completely ruled out a move to take Wilson back to Anfield.

While Marco Silva’s side want to hold onto the Wales international, the level of interest in Wilson makes a departure from Craven Cottage ‘increasingly likely’ this summer.

Roberto De Zerbi has already made an impression in his first Tottenham training session, with some of his ideas exciting supporters while others may leave them a little uneasy.

Tottenham Hotspur now have a third manager in the dugout this season following Igor Tudor’s departure last week.

With very few low-risk interim options available and the club sitting just one point above the relegation zone, Spurs moved quickly to appoint Roberto De Zerbi on a long-term deal, making him one of the highest-paid managers in the Premier League.

The Italian has already taken his first training session at Hotspur Way after his arrival was confirmed earlier in the week, giving him just over a week to prepare the side for his first game in charge against Sunderland.

It has since been revealed that the players were left very impressed by the Italian, and footage released by the club shows exactly why.

Roberto De Zerbi’s first Tottenham training session leaves strong impression

An extended clip from Tottenham’s training session showed exactly what Roberto De Zerbi has been demanding from his players.

The Italian had already revealed in his first interview that he had closely followed Spurs this season, which explains why he was heard repeatedly shouting “one touch, one touch” before adding: “One or two touch. With two touch it is impossible to lose the ball because we are five to pass against two. Enjoy, enjoy but you have to move. Enjoy with the ball.”

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“A lot of teams now they come man to man. Man to man, you need to pass the ball. It’s important, one touch, two touch.”

The emphasis on quick passing and movement is a clear shift from the slower, more static build-up Tottenham showed earlier in the season, and is likely to be welcomed by supporters. However, not everything De Zerbi said will excite fans.

“Keep the ball, keep the ball. Attract the pressure. Attract the pressure,” he was heard saying at one point.

“The speed of the ball possession, the opponent decides our speed. When they are coming in front, we need to be faster in moving the ball, giving angles, giving solutions.”

While this approach is central to De Zerbi’s philosophy, it also comes with risk, particularly for a team that has struggled when playing out from the back in recent months.

Spurs team news ahead of Roberto De Zerbi’s first game in charge

There were several notable absentees from the training footage, including Cristian Romero, who is expected to be resting after returning from international duty.

Pedro Porro and Pape Sarr were also missing, with the latter dealing with a shoulder issue. Of course, there is a chance that some players were simply not pictured in the very limited video, so fans shouldn’t worry too much yet.

Guglielmo Vicario is unlikely to return for a couple of weeks following hernia surgery, which will open the door for Antonin Kinsky. The young goalkeeper has endured a difficult spell, but his ability with the ball at his feet could suit De Zerbi’s system better.

Tottenham Hotspur winger Mikey Moore has set his sights very high over the next few years after making a big impact on loan at Rangers.

Spurs fans were very interested to see whether Moore could kick on at Ibrox this season after the impact he made in the Europa League last term.

After a tough start to life in Scotland, Moore has come into his own at Rangers, with the youngster now appearing at ease with the pressures of playing for a big club.

The 18-year-old displays in Glasgow have certainly created plenty of excitement in North London, and the Spurs academy graduate certainly believes he can make it at his parent club.

There have been reports suggesting that Tottenham could extend Moore’s loan spell at Rangers if they avoid relegation this season.

Spurs fans will be hoping that the teenager can follow in Harry Kane’s footsteps and become the next best big-name star to emerge from the academy, and Moore believes he is already ready for Premier League football.

When asked about his hopes at Tottenham, Moore told The Athletic: “Whether it’s next year or the year after, I want to break in and make an impact. I helped out in some Premier League games and gave a good account of myself, and in others, I didn’t show enough. But now I’m at a point where I can make an impact. If that opportunity comes, I would love to get a hold of it.”

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When asked about Tottenham’s current predicament, he said: “It’s tough to see people you care about and some of your mates going through a tough time. It’s a club I care about so much. For us to be in the position we’re in is not nice.

“Sometimes I wish I could go back and help but there are some top players there who should be able to help get us out of the position we’re in and push on next season. There is enough quality in that team to get out of it.”

Moore wants to be one of the best players in the world

The youngster is not just satisfied with becoming a first-team regular at Tottenham either. Moore believes he possesses the talent to become one of the best players in the world, and he is determined to fulfil his potential.

When asked if he harbours ambitions of becoming the best in the world, the Spurs youngster said: “I believe in my talent, and I believe I have the ability to do it. I know I’m going to work my hardest to get there. A lot of it is about the mentality you bring to games. It’s always been my dream to be one of the best players in the world. Why be scared to say it?

“At the start of the season, it may have looked absolutely stupid when I was playing awfully. Now I’m doing a bit better, maybe it doesn’t look as stupid. But I’ve got time on my hands to try and make that happen. In the next few years, we’ll see where I am.”

Roberto De Zerbi has made some very interesting comments in the past about a defender who is being heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

De Zerbi has been given a five-year deal and plenty of power at Tottenham, with the Italian set to have a huge say in the rebuilding of the squad.

The new Spurs boss has already made clear his emphasis on possession-based attacking football, and we could thus see some big changes to the Tottenham squad this summer.

A left-back who has been heavily linked with a move to Spurs is a player that the Italian is very fond of.

What Roberto De Zerbi has said about Tottenham target Pervis Estupinan

Over the last week, reports have indicated that Tottenham have set their sights on Pervis Estupinan, who has failed to set the world alight in Serie A after swapping Brighton for AC Milan last summer.

The left-back worked with De Zerbi at Brighton, and it has been suggested that the 46-year-old’s arrival at Spurs could be a factor in the club’s pursuit of Estupinan this summer.

The new Tottenham boss has spoken glowingly about the Ecuadorian back in Brighton days, suggesting that he could become one of the best in the world in his position.

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De Zerbi told Brighton’s official website back in 2023: “I must admit that Pervis is one of the most crucial players for us because he started from left-back, but you can find him in a striker position. He’s very smart, he’s one of our secrets, I think.

“Yes, [his] first control and pass, but I am pushing this with him all the time. If he becomes clean in the first control and passes, I think he can become one of the best left-backs in the world.”

Does Destiny Udogie have a future at Spurs?

Udogie has had another injury-hit season, with the Italian’s development being inhibited by his inability to stay fit.

Juventus are already circling over the Tottenham left-back ahead of the summer, with the Bianconeri hoping to take the 23-year-old back to Serie A.

If Spurs do end up signing another left-back this summer, they may have a big decision to make should a decent offer arrive for the former Udinese man.