# De Zerbi Calls for Soul and Passion in Tottenham's Rebuild

*Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has called for 'soul and passion' from his team as they embark on a new season following a dramatic escape from relegation.*

July 27, 2026 · Sports

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has urged his team to play with'soul and passion' as the London club rebuilds after narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League. Spurs have made significant investments this summer, signing key players to bolster their squad.

## Aggressive Summer Spending

Following a tense season where they narrowly avoided relegation, finishing 17th, Tottenham has been aggressive in the transfer market. Notable signings include midfielders Mateus Fernandes from West Ham and Sandro Tonali from Newcastle. De Zerbi also brought in centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke from his former club Brighton.

Additionally, full-back Andy Robertson, centre-back Marcos Senesi, and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka have joined on free transfers. These additions give the squad a fresh look ahead of the new season.

## Pre-Season Performance and Future Prospects

De Zerbi, currently in Sydney for a pre-season tour, emphasized the importance of integrating soul and passion into the team's play. He believes football extends beyond the pitch and into the players' daily lives. 'It's how many hours during the day you think about your job,' he said.

Tottenham started their pre-season with a 2-0 win over A-League champions Auckland FC, with goals from Dane Scarlett and Richarlison. The team faces Sydney FC next, followed by a match against London rivals Chelsea.

De Zerbi hinted at the possibility of more signings before the transfer window closes, indicating that the club's board is committed to building a strong team for the upcoming season.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/sports/de-zerbi-demands-soul-and-passion-from-new-look-tottenham