Antonin Kinsky has shared what Roberto De Zerbi demands from him during Tottenham training and matches, and how his instructions differ from those of the other coaches he has worked with.
Many Spurs players have already spoken glowingly of training under De Zerbi and how his philosophy is completely different to his predecessors.
The most eye-catching words came from Micky van de Ven, who took a jibe at Thomas Frank while praising the current Spurs boss’s style of play, admitting that he is now enjoying his football a lot more than he did last season.
Several Tottenham stars have credited De Zerbi with restoring their lost confidence, and it appears the 46-year-old had the same effect on Kinsky.
Tottenham star Antonin Kinsky reveals he felt Roberto De Zerbi’s belief in him
Kinsky was going through a challenging time when De Zerbi arrived through the door, with his mistakes away at Atletico Madrid just weeks prior being fresh on people’s minds.
However, the Czech shot-stopper has not put a foot wrong since the Italian arrived through the door, and he confessed that the belief the Tottenham boss showed in him made it easier for him to take risks on the pitch.
When asked about the impact De Zerbi had on his game, Kinsky told Football.London: “What he says to everyone, what he says to me, definitely gives me confidence. If you don’t feel the confidence, you might play a bit more safe. If you feel the confidence, you can play to the best of your ability.
“If I know that he supports me and he believes in me, then of course I feel well on the pitch. In certain situations where there is risk, it makes it easier to take a bit more. Go more to the edge. I think this is sometimes where the difference in the games is made. This is definitely, definitely important. He forces you to believe in yourself and be the best version on the pitch. Not to try to play safe, not try to play.”
Kinsky admits De Zerbi allows him the freedom to make mistakes
The former Slavia Prague man explained that the former Brighton boss does not insist on him playing it safe even if he has misplaced a few passes.
He shared that De Zerbi encourages players to keep taking brave decisions, even if they fail to execute.
The goalkeeper added: “If I or anyone makes two bad passes or something. The next time maybe I make an easy pass. But [under De Zerbi] no. It’s like you made two good passes. If the intention was good, then it’s just about the ability.
“Sometimes the ball can bounce or whatever, something can happen. But [we are encouraged to] just play as best as we can and enjoy the game. If you combine these two things, focusing on playing as best you can, and enjoying the game, that enables you to perform at your best level. I think this is always his message, above all the tactics.”