Roberto De Zerbi has taken a different approach than many would have expected to get the best out of his misfiring Tottenham squad.
The Italian has a history of being emotional and has been no stranger to passionate outbursts over the course of his managerial career.
However, he took a much more measured and calmer approach than many may have expected after his Tottenham side failed to score in the fourth consecutive Premier League game on Saturday.
De Zerbi insisted that Spurs will start picking up results once the players improve their physical condition, insisting that the squad is working very hard behind the scenes to turn things around.
Roberto De Zerbi admits he paid for dinner and drinks for Tottenham squad
Rather than working them extra hard on the training pitch and putting them under pressure, De Zerbi revealed that he opted to make the squad socialise last week.
The Tottenham boss revealed that he decided to treat the squad to dinner and drinks to take their mind off the poor results.
De Zerbi told Football.London: “We went last week for dinner with all the players. There was something to eat, yes, some water, some beers, yes. I paid because I’m the coach, I’m older than the players and it’s a pleasure going for dinner with them.”
This is not the first time De Zerbi has taken the squad out for a meal, and he was asked if the expensive meals were draining his bonuses. He responded with a grin: “Yes, but as long as I’ve got the money for my cigarettes, no problem!”
De Zerbi insists he has total faith in his players
Despite all the external pressure on him and the team, the Tottenham boss made it clear that he will not make big changes.
De Zerbi insisted that he fully believes in the qualities of his players and that things will start clicking for Spurs sooner rather than later.
The 46-year-old added: “I think they are very good players. We are building a new project, a new team. If we want to change from the last two or three seasons, we have to be stronger mentally and believe in the quality of the players and the decisions we made.
“You can change players or change coaches, change, change, change, change, and nothing changes. Or you stay with the head, stay humble, with the right spirit to work. I believe in my players. I hope they believe in themselves like I believe in them.”