Roberto De Zerbi has revealed the one intangible quality he is working hard to instil in the Tottenham Hotspur squad ahead of the new season.
With the new season now fast approaching, there is a huge sense of excitement at Tottenham, who are embarking on a brand new project.
After two poor seasons domestically, where there appeared to be a disconnect between the fan base and the club, De Zerbi has managed to bring everyone together with his passion and drive.
The Spurs boss has already achieved hero status at the club by saving them from relegation, but he believes he is only at the start of what could be a special project.
Roberto De Zerbi wants to ‘create something lasting’ at Tottenham
De Zerbi has already admitted that a five-year plan is in place at Spurs and that he and the club’s hierarchy are on the same page.
The Tottenham boss has now expressed a desire to build something lasting at N17 rather than just achieving temporary success.
When asked about the upcoming season, the Italian told Sky Sport Italia (via Gianluca Di Marzio): “I believe this is the first real year, a rebuilding phase. Last year was a survival phase. This year we can start again to create something lasting in the most difficult championship in Europe.
“I think we’re working well. Now let’s continue: we still have ten days before the start of the championship. We’re trying to integrate the incoming players as best we can and complete the squad, because we still have some work to do on the market.”
De Zerbi wants to recreate Argentina-like team spirit at Spurs
The 46-year-old also insisted that building a successful team is not only about having players of top quality, but also requires a togetherness among the squad.
He referred to the example of Argentina at the recent World Cup and confessed he is trying to create a similar team spirit at the North London club.
Speaking about what it takes to build a successful team, he said: “I believe it’s not so much the time you spend together, but how you use that time. I also try to create something for the players throughout the year: a few dinners together, some moments to share.
“When I coached Marseille, I organised retreats precisely to be together, to do something that wasn’t just football. An example is Argentina. At the World Cup, they set a precedent: team spirit, playing for something that is more important than just the result, going above and beyond.”