How new-look Spurs are shaping up under De Zerbi

WHAT HAPPENED
Roberto De Zerbi, who took charge of Tottenham in March and secured Premier League safety, has used the summer to reshape the squad and working methods. Pre-season evidence shows Spurs retaining many of De Zerbi’s Brighton-era build-up principles while integrating new solutions to teams that now attempt to block his central routes.

In friendly games — including a 3-0 win over Hoffenheim in pre-season — Tottenham frequently built from their centre-backs, exploited wide full-back positions and sought to create one-against-one opportunities for wingers and forwards. The club’s recruitment over the summer continued alongside these tactical preparations.

KEY CONTEXT
- De Zerbi first arrived in the Premier League with Brighton in September 2022 and became known for innovating build-up play from the back.
- Pep Guardiola described him as “one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years,” reflecting wider admiration for his methods.
- Opponents have adapted to De Zerbi’s approach by narrowing their defensive blocks to deny vertical passes through the middle, forcing tactical adjustments.

WHY IT MATTERS
De Zerbi’s style depends on rapid transitions from controlled possession in defensive areas to high-quality attacking situations. As opponents increasingly block central lanes, the ability of Spurs to vary their solutions — by dragging opponents out of position or advancing down the flanks — will determine whether his approach remains effective in tougher Premier League matches. The pre-season pattern suggests Spurs are practicing those alternatives while maintaining the core principles that made De Zerbi influential.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- How Spurs cope when top-flight opponents deploy very narrow mid-blocks in competitive matches: will they continue to rely on pulling central players out of position or shift to flank-based progression?
- Whether the wide full-backs’ role as decoys rather than primary passing outlets holds up under higher defensive intensity.
- How often centre-forwards drop to receive direct centre-back passes and whether the subsequent first-time combinations with wide players produce consistent goal opportunities in the league.

KEY FACTS
- De Zerbi arrived at Tottenham in March and avoided relegation in his first months in charge.
- He brought to Spurs the same build-up emphasis he used at Brighton from September 2022.
- Spurs used a 4-2-4 on the ball in pre-season sequences, building through centre-backs and involving wide full-backs.
- Hoffenheim set a very narrow 4-4-2 mid-block in a pre-season 3-0 defeat to Spurs, aiming to stop central progression.
- De Zerbi’s summer transfer activity included six signings (image caption noted).