Tottenham show faith in Roberto De Zerbi after Old Trafford draw

Tottenham and Roberto De Zerbi have gained renewed encouragement after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Secured in difficult circumstances, the result strengthened hopes that the coach’s psychological work can help the team respond better to adversity. The club has also increased its stake in Tottenham with a £120 million capital injection, while Daniel Levy’s share in ENIC has fallen to 25%.

The Spurs were 1-0 down and a man short after Bentancur was sent off, but held on to claim an equaliser. In the closing moments, Manchester United fans had taunted them with ironic chants. Tottenham instead showed greater resolve, refusing to surrender to another defeat. The late goal rewarded the team’s effort and, in the account of the match, De Zerbi’s work to prepare the squad to face setbacks with a positive mindset.

Supporters remain behind the coach despite modest results and a worrying position near the bottom of the table. Most believe in De Zerbi’s work; he had kept the club from relegation last year. After the successive changes involving Ange Postecoglou, Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor, they see the Brescia-born coach as a choice who can bring an ambitious style and return Tottenham to the upper reaches of the Premier League and the title race.

Early signs of improvement can be seen in match control, the willingness to take the initiative and the press, with Sandro Tonali directing play in midfield. De Zerbi also wants to strengthen the bonds within a squad extensively reshaped last summer. In his view, the Costa del Sol climate should help. At Marbella Football Center, temperatures are around 25 degrees, allowing Tottenham to work without interruption, away from London’s changeable autumn weather and the forecast rain in Enfield.

“Work together, stay together, have dinner together and get to know each other better,” De Zerbi says of his approach to the coming matches and building on the positive feeling at Old Trafford. He has also asked for his compatriot Piero Ausilio to be appointed sporting director, with a January arrival envisaged, as well as another striker. Endrick could be an option if talks with Real Madrid lead to a loan.

The preparation in Marbella comes without a European fixture. The stay is intended to help De Zerbi bring the group closer together before Monday night’s match against Coventry City. Saturday’s draw offers encouragement, but the coach still describes the team as a project under construction, progressing more slowly than hoped.