World Cup

De Zerbi on Spurs: “It's all about motivation — if you're not 100%, leave

2 August 2026·5 min read·María Jesús Morales
De Zerbi on Spurs: “It's all about motivation — if you're not 100%, leave

Roberto De Zerbi's message to Tottenham Hotspur as the new Premier League season gets underway is bold and unequivocal: without motivation, you have no place in his team. In a press

De Zerbi on Spurs: “It's all about motivation — if you're not 100%, leave

According to Vi.

Why it matters

Roberto De Zerbi's message to Tottenham Hotspur aims to raise the level of motivation in his team, which is vital to success in Premier League football. In his desire to build a vibrant group, he has warned players who are not ready to fight for the Spurs badge to leave. Such an approach could bring about a higher level of competition within the team, which is vital to their hopes of achieving success in the coming season.

Key Points

  • De Zerbi on Spurs: “It's all motivation — if you're not 100%, leave.
  • Tottenham coach Roberto De Zerbi insists that he only wants to work with fully motivated players this season.
  • Motivatie is alles voor Spurs-manager De Zerbi: 'Anders moet je weg'.
Roberto De Zerbi's message to Tottenham Hotspur as the new Premier League season gets underway is bold and unequivocal: without motivation, you have no place in his team. In a press conference in New Zealand this Saturday, before the friendly against Auckland FC this Sunday, the Italian coach insisted that he wants to build a group that is fully committed to the badge and ready to fight from the first minute to the final whistle. "Ever since I arrived at the end of last season, I've been clear," said De Zerbi, who laid down a simple rule: if you're not proud to wear the colors of Spurs, it's time to leave. The coach considers motivation to be the "invisible advantage" at the elite level — something he said was especially evident at the last World Cup, where those most hungry for victory were more likely to make the difference in close matches. Tottenham have formally increased their depth this summer, with arrivals including Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. Because of this, the competition in the center is tighter, especially since the arrival of Tonali and Fernandes reduces the expected minutes for 20-year-old Lucas Bergvall. The Swedish midfielder is said to want to seek a bigger role, but Spurs have rejected a reported €45 million offer from fellow Premier League club Nottingham Forest.
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Tottenham's move in the market does not end here. De Zerbi made it clear that recruitment is focused on attacking positions in the coming weeks. "The window isn't over yet. We still need a few pieces," said the coach, suggesting more firepower up front to suit the aggressive and direct style of play he wants to implement. In the context of the preseason, the tone of De Zerbi's leadership is important: clean selection criteria, and no special treatment—to anyone. The result, a locker room led by a clear message: playing time is earned on a daily basis, not granted in name only. As Spurs conduct their camp and tune-ups in New Zealand, the coach stresses that every minute in training and friendlies is an audition for the role in the campaign opener. From rescuing the club from relegation danger last spring to shaping a hungrier and more organized group today, De Zerbi shows that the foundation of the project at Tottenham is discipline, competition and above all, motivation. In the coming weeks of the transfer window and with the opening of the Premier League looming, expect a Spurs with a clearer identity—and a dressing room that knows exactly what their coach is asking for.

What's next

Tottenham are expected to continue their moves in the transfer market, particularly in adding players in attacking positions. The arrival of new players such as Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes could cause more intense competition for midfield positions. Additionally, Lucas Bergvall's situation should be monitored, especially if he continues to be unhappy with his playing time at Spurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Roberto De Zerbi say about motivation at Tottenham Hotspur?

Roberto De Zerbi said that without motivation, you have no place in his team. He stated that he wants to build a group that is fully committed to the badge and ready to fight from the first minute to the final whistle.

Who made the statement about Tottenham Hotspur's situation?

The statement about the situation of Tottenham Ho tspur was given by Roberto De Zerbi in a press conference in New Zealand.

Why is motivation important according to De Zerbi?

According to De Zerbi, motivation is what he considers an 'invisible advantage' at the elite level, which he said was especially evident in the last World Cup.

What changes have taken place at Tottenham Hotspur this summer?

Tottenham have formally increased their depth this summer, with the arrivals of Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Sandro Tonali, and Mateus Fernandes.

What is De Zerbi's future recruitment plan for Tottenham?

De Zerbi made it clear that recruitment is focused on attacking positions in the coming weeks and said 'The window is not over yet. We need a few more pieces.'

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Mga Madalas na Itanong

What did Roberto De Zerbi say about motivation at Tottenham Hotspur?
Roberto De Zerbi said that without motivation, you have no place in his team. He stated that he wants to build a group that is fully committed to the badge and ready to fight from the first minute to the final whistle.
Who gave a statement about the Tottenham Hotspur situation?
The statement about the situation of Tottenham Hotspur was given by Roberto De Zerbi at a press conference in New Zealand.
Why is motivation important according to De Zerbi?
According to De Zerbi, he considers motivation to be an 'invisible advantage' at the elite level, which he said was especially evident in the last World Cup.
What changes have taken place at Tottenham Hotspur this summer?
Tottenham have formally increased their depth this summer, with the arrivals of Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Sandro Tonali, and Mateus Fernandes.
What is De Zerbi's future Tottenham recruitment plan?
De Zerbi made it clear that recruitment is focused on attacking positions in the coming weeks and said 'The window is not over yet. We need a few more pieces.'
What happened in this story?
De Zerbi on Spurs: "Everything is motivation — if you're not 100%, leave summarizes the main development covered in this report.
Who confirmed this news?
See the source attribution in the article for where this report was first published or corroborated.
World Cup 2026Premier LeagueTottenham HotspurAuckland FCRoberto De ZerbiJan Paul van HeckeAndy RobertsonMarcos SenesiSandro TonaliMateus FernandesLucas Bergvall

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