Roberto De Zerbi has been putting his players through their paces ahead of Tottenham Hotspur's clash against Brighton this weekend.
16:30, 17 Apr 2026
Roberto De Zerbi at Hotspur Way
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Roberto De Zerbi at Hotspur Way
Tottenham Hotspur have been given a much-needed boost ahead of their clash against Brighton. The Lilywhites fell into the bottom three of the Premier League last weekend, but they have the chance to climb out when they host Fabian Hurzeler's side on Saturday night.
Speaking to reporters at Hotspur Way on Friday afternoon, Roberto De Zerbi commented on the reaction from his players following the disappointing defeat to Sunderland. The Italian said: "I have to get to know the players better and better every week.
"It is much better. We have no time to lose. We have no time to understand the problems we have this season. We have to be focused just on the next game and to transfer confidence."
On what he and his staff have been working on in training, De Zerbi said: "I can bring myself, I can bring my philosophy of football but also I’m working to create the good atmosphere, a good relationship with the players.
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"I think in this moment of football, especially for Tottenham in this season, the qualities of the players are important but the spirit and the relationship between the players, the love the players put for the club is more important for sure."
So, with that being said, football.london has looked at the five things you may have missed in training at Hotspur Way this week.
Maddison lifts the mood
James Maddison has certainly lifted the mood at Hotspur Way. The 29-year-old midfielder was in great spirits, cracking jokes and chatting to his teammates during down time between drills.
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Although Maddison will be itching to get back on the pitch and rescue Tottenham from relegation to the Championship, De Zerbi will have to carefully manage his workload in the coming weeks. The England international ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the summer, and only recently returned to first-team training.
Bentancur also returns to action
Rodrigo Bentancur was also on the grass at Hotspur Way this week. The 28-year-old midfielder underwent surgery on a hamstring injury at the start of the year.
Last month, Bentancur's personal fitness coach claimed he had recently began training alone after weeks in the gym. Daniel Fernandez tipped the Uruguayan to be available for selection again at the end of April, assuming there are no setbacks.
De Zerbi has since confirmed the former Juventus man is available for the clash against Brighton. "Bentancur is available to play. I don’t know if he will start the game or not," the Italian said.
'Play, move the ball!'
De Zerbi has taken a hands-on approach at Hotspur Way, and he's been determined to up the intensity. During several drills, the Italian was heard barking orders at the players, encouraging them to move the ball faster and react quicker to turnovers when they lose possession.
Kinsky put through his paces
Antonín Kinsky was put through his paces at Hotspur Way this week. The 23-year-old goalkeeper suffered a knock during the defeat to Sunderland last weekend, but he's brushed himself down and
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Solanke find the net
Dominic Solanke had no issue finding the net in training this week. He was in great form, regularly earning praise from the coaching staff, with one of which heard saying: "Top finish, Dom!"
The 28-year-old striker hasn't scored in the Premier League since the start of last month, when Tottenham lost 3-1 at home to Crystal Palace. Not only will Solanke want to drag Spurs to safety, he'll also be gunning for a place in the England squad ahead of the World Cup.
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