Djed Spence has spoken candidly about life under Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham and compared the Italian’s approach to that of England boss Thomas Tuchel.
It has been a mixed few years for Tottenham Hotspur’s Djed Spence, who looked close to leaving north London after his move from Middlesbrough following a loan move to Genoa.
However, Spence’s resilience paid off in Ange Postecoglou‘s final season as manager, where he became a vital part of the squad during Spurs’ Europa League-winning campaign.
Last year, the Englishman’s progress was rewarded with his first England call-up and a new Tottenham contract, marking a significant turnaround in his career.
Djed Spence compares Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi to Thomas Tuchel
Life at Spurs has been far from straightforward, with the club battling relegation last season, but Roberto De Zerbi’s arrival ensured they stayed above the dotted line.
Despite Tottenham’s struggles, Spence earned a call-up to the World Cup with England and made his debut off the bench in the Three Lions’ 4-2 win over Croatia.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Spence opened up on the similarities between Tuchel and De Zerbi, praising both managers for their detailed approach and ability to build unity within their squads. On Tuchel, he said: “I think he is a great manager, he is a great guy. Very detailed in what he wants to do. I think the boys really love him and have a great respect for him.
“It is like what he always says, we are building a family, we have built a brotherhood within the team, everyone has one dream, one brain. I think everyone is on the same path. We can do special things. I think he has built that environment with this squad.”
On De Zerbi’s impact at Tottenham, Spence added: “He has brought pretty much the same [as Tuchel]. He has come in and brought a good vibe. Again a togetherness that we felt as a squad towards the end of the season. Very similar approach. Two great managers really. Two great people and great personalities.”
England boss Tuchel shows his passion with Spence
De Zerbi’s passion on the touchline has been evident to Tottenham supporters, and Spence believes Tuchel is equally demanding, even in training sessions.
A clip of Tuchel shouting at Spence during England training went viral this week, with the manager repeatedly telling the defender to “wake up” in front of the media.
Spence has now explained why he was shouted at, making it clear that it was part of a passing drill where he missed a couple of zones.
He told reporters, “Yeah, I think it is normal. He is a great manager and he wants the best from his players. He demands high standards, and for this tournament, we need to be ready, we need to be on it.
“I think every session needs to be up to high quality and that is what he demands. It is good. I would not be the only one he says it to, and he says it to everyone else. No feeling, it is just part of the game. If he needs me to do whatever, I will do it. It is just part of the game, really.”