Roberto De Zerbi Imposes Phone Ban to Boost Tottenham's Team Spirit Amid Winless Streak
Roberto De Zerbi, facing a tough start with Tottenham Hotspur, has enforced a total ban on mobile phones during team meals at their training camp in Marbella. This move aims to strengthen squad unity after Spurs failed to win in six Premier League matches, leaving them at the bottom of the table despite heavy summer investment.
Tottenham’s Rocky Start and Team Bonding Efforts
The club spent £380 million on 10 new players over the summer but still struggles to find form. De Zerbi took the squad to southern Spain hoping that some off-pitch bonding could help reverse their fortunes. The phone ban during breakfast, lunch, and dinner is designed to encourage players to engage directly with each other, away from distractions.
De Zerbi on the Purpose Behind the Ban
"We worked on the pitch, we stayed together - we removed phones from breakfast, lunch and dinner to stay together because now it is like [phone] all the time," De Zerbi explained to reporters.
The Italian coach revealed the trip included serious talks about the team's poor performance and shared responsibility. He mentioned holding separate dinners for players and staff, aiming to create an environment focused on improvement.
"As a coach you understand you have to improve, you have to change the situation and you try to find all solutions. I already did this type of training camp two times with Marseille and it was a good solution. I spoke with the club, with Vinai [Venkatesham], with Johan [Lange], with the owner and together we took the decision," he said.
He acknowledged the challenge of integrating many new faces and returning World Cup players, emphasizing the need for uninterrupted focus on the club’s goals.
Despite the strict rules at mealtimes, players were free to explore the city during downtime. De Zerbi stated, "Yes, with freedom. With no military rules. I love freedom."
Richarlison Situation Adds Tension
The squad harmony is also under strain due to the ongoing issues with forward Richarlison. The Brazilian was left out of Tottenham’s Premier League squad and sent to the Under-21s after failing to secure a transfer in the summer.
Former Everton boss Duncan Ferguson expressed concern over how harshly Richarlison was treated, suggesting the player deserved support rather than exclusion. Richarlison responded by publicly agreeing with Ferguson's view.
De Zerbi declined to comment on the controversy, saying, "It's not my problem any more. You have to ask Vinai or Johan. It's not my problem."
Upcoming Match Heightens Pressure
Tottenham must quickly turn their improved camaraderie into victories as they prepare to face Coventry City on Monday evening. This match is critical for De Zerbi to get his first league win and help lift Spurs from the bottom.
Failing to win will increase pressure on the coaching staff and highlight the difficulties in Tottenham’s costly rebuild. The club needs a positive result to calm growing concerns and halt their troubling season.
- Next Match: Tottenham vs Coventry City
- Date: 19 October 2026
- Competition: Premier League
- Kickoff: 22:00
