Roberto De Zerbi Bans Phones to Unite Winless Tottenham Squad Amid Crisis

Roberto De Zerbi, the Tottenham manager, has introduced a strict no-phone policy during team meals at their Marbella training camp. This step aims to enhance squad cohesion following a poor start to the Premier League season.

Training Camp in Marbella: A Response to Poor Form

Amid Tottenham's six-match winless streak that leaves them last in the league, De Zerbi took the squad to Marbella for a warm-weather training session. Despite spending £380 million on 10 new signings, the club struggles with form. To encourage communication off the pitch, De Zerbi banned mobile phones during all shared meals, hoping this will help players bond and integrate faster.

De Zerbi Explains the New Rule

The Italian coach described the phone ban as a way to promote real connection between players. "We worked on the pitch and stayed together – removing phones at breakfast, lunch, and dinner helped us stay connected because nowadays it's all about phones," he told reporters. The Marbella trip also involved serious talks about the team's difficulties, responsibility, and how everyone must contribute to improvement.

De Zerbi added that some dinners were exclusive to players while others involved staff, underlining the focus on rebuilding team unity. He mentioned similar camps he'd held before with Marseille, describing it as a practical solution for bonding. The camp allowed players to prioritize the club without distractions from family or other commitments.

Despite the strict rules during meals, players were free to explore the city during breaks. De Zerbi emphasized his belief in freedom, stating, "Yes, with freedom. No military rules. I love freedom."

Richarlison Controversy Continues

The relationship between De Zerbi and forward Richarlison remains strained. The Brazilian was left out of Tottenham’s Premier League squad and relegated to the Under-21s after unsuccessful transfer attempts. Former Everton manager Duncan Ferguson criticized the harsh treatment, saying a player like Richarlison shouldn’t be sidelined unless there was a serious issue. Richarlison agreed publicly with Ferguson’s remarks.

De Zerbi dismissed questions about the saga, telling reporters, "It's not my problem anymore. You have to ask Vinai or Johan. It’s not my problem."

Upcoming Challenge Against Coventry

Tottenham faces Coventry City next on Monday evening, a game that feels like a must-win for De Zerbi to halt the slide at the bottom of the table. The pressure mounts as the club’s expensive overhaul faces intense scrutiny. Securing a victory is crucial to steady a turbulent season and ease tensions behind the scenes.

• Next Match: Tottenham vs Coventry City
• Date: 19 October 2026
• Competition: Premier League
• Kick-off: 22:00