Roberto De Zerbi Bans Phones at Tottenham Training Camp Amid Winless Premier League Start
Roberto De Zerbi Imposes Phone Ban to Boost Team Spirit
Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham Hotspur's manager, has introduced a strict no-phone policy during team meals at their Marbella training camp. This move comes as Spurs struggle with a poor start in the Premier League, failing to win in six matches and sitting at the bottom of the table.
Training Camp in Marbella
In an attempt to reverse their fortunes, Tottenham held a warm-weather training camp in Marbella. Despite spending £380 million ($505 million) on ten new signings over the summer, the team has not managed to claim a victory yet. De Zerbi believes cutting distractions like mobile phones during breakfast, lunch, and dinner will help players connect better off the pitch and strengthen unity within the squad.
De Zerbi Explains the Phone Ban
"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 told reporters.
The Italian coach revealed that the trip included serious conversations about their current performance and the need for every player to take responsibility. There were separate dinners for players and staff, aiming to foster team cohesion. De Zerbi also noted he had used similar camps twice before at Marseille, finding them effective.
He added, "We had many new players and players who came back from the World Cup. Three or four days together without family, putting the club at the top of their priorities, is normal and is good." Still, he allowed the squad some freedom to explore the city in their free time, emphasizing he loves freedom and there were no military-style rules.
Richarlison's Situation Remains Tense
Meanwhile, tension surrounds former forward Richarlison, who was left out of Tottenham’s Premier League squad and sent to the Under-21s after failed transfer attempts in the summer. Former Everton manager Duncan Ferguson criticized this harsh treatment, suggesting the club should support the player rather than isolate him.
"I don’t know if they’ve had a massive fall-out, and knowing Richy they probably have, but you’ve got to put your arm around him. You don’t leave a player like that out unless there’s been a real murder," Ferguson said.
Richarlison seemed to agree, replying on Instagram: "Thanks @duncan9ferguson, you are right." De Zerbi brushed off questions about the matter, saying, "It’s not my problem any more. You have to ask Vinai or Johan. It’s not my problem."
Upcoming Challenge Against Coventry City
Tottenham must turn their off-field bonding into results when they face Coventry City on Monday evening. This match is critical for De Zerbi, as failure to win will increase pressure on the manager and raise doubts about the club’s expensive rebuilding process.
With tensions rising within the boardroom and the team still seeking its first league victory, a positive result against Coventry is key to steadying Tottenham’s troubled season.
- Next Match: Tottenham vs Coventry City
- Date: 19 October 2026
- Competition: Premier League
- Kick-off Time: 22:00
