MusaRoberto De Zerbi has revealed that he introduced a phone ban during mealtimes on Tottenham Hotspur’s recent warm-weather training camp in Marbella as he looks to improve team spirit and strengthen relationships within the squad.
Despite spending more than £380 million on 10 new signings during the summer transfer window, Tottenham find themselves at the bottom of the Premier League table ahead of Monday’s home clash against Coventry City. De Zerbi is now exploring different ways to improve the atmosphere within the dressing room and help his players take greater responsibility for the club’s situation.
As part of those efforts, the Italian manager confirmed that players were prohibited from using their phones during breakfast, lunch and dinner while the squad were together in Spain.
“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 during his press conference.
The Spurs boss also revealed that the squad held several important meetings to discuss their performances, current position and the responsibilities expected of every player. The camp also included separate dinners for the players and members of the coaching staff.
De Zerbi admitted that he understands the need to make changes and explore every possible solution to Tottenham’s difficult situation.
He explained that he had introduced a similar approach during two previous training camps with Marseille, where he considered it a successful way of bringing the squad closer together.
The manager added that the decision was made in consultation with chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, sporting director Johan Lange and the club’s ownership.
According to De Zerbi, the main objective was to give the players more time to bond away from their usual routines, particularly after a summer in which Tottenham welcomed several new faces.
He also pointed out that pre-season had offered limited opportunities for the squad to spend time together because of the number of new arrivals and players returning from the World Cup.
De Zerbi believes that spending three or four days together without their families, while making the club a priority, was a reasonable and beneficial step for the team.
However, the Italian was quick to dismiss suggestions that he had imposed excessive restrictions on his players. When asked whether they were allowed to go out independently during their stay in Marbella, he insisted that they were free to make their own decisions.
“Yes, with freedom. With no military rules. I love freedom,” he said.
Meanwhile, the training camp provided an opportunity for several important Tottenham players to spend time with the squad, including the returning Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.
Maddison is expected to be available for the meeting with his former club, Coventry, although he has yet to start a competitive match for Spurs since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2025. Xavi Simons, meanwhile, remains sidelined with the same type of injury.
De Zerbi revealed that he has been closely monitoring Simons throughout his recovery, while also explaining that Maddison’s rehabilitation and management require a different approach.
“I am very close with Xavi Simons, for example, in this moment. I follow him step by step in his journey as an injured player. Like Maddison, because the management of Maddison is totally different. He is another special player and now is available to play,” the Spurs manager said.
The Italian also highlighted Kulusevski’s importance to the team, insisting that the Swedish international remained a valuable figure even during his lengthy spell on the sidelines last season.
De Zerbi believes that time away from competitive football can provide injured players with an opportunity to return stronger, provided they approach their rehabilitation in the right way.
He acknowledged that regular minutes are necessary for players to regain their best physical condition but stressed that certain individuals can still make a significant contribution without completing an entire match.
Maddison was among the players he highlighted, with De Zerbi suggesting that the midfielder could influence games even if he were limited to 10, 15 or 20 minutes on the pitch.
Although the England international is now ready to start, the Tottenham manager stopped short of confirming whether he would be included in the starting XI against Coventry.
“Right now he is ready to start the game, but I don’t know if we will start with him. I’m waiting for that moment,” De Zerbi concluded.
With Tottenham desperate to improve their results and climb away from the foot of the Premier League table, De Zerbi will hope that the time spent together in Marbella helps his players develop a stronger connection and respond positively when they return to competitive action.
Musa
