Tottenham Hotspur head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, has banned players from using their mobile phones during meals at the club’s training camp in Marbella, Spain, as he seeks to improve team unity and revive their struggling Premier League campaign.
The north London club travelled to Marbella following a 1-1 draw against Manchester United, with the trip aimed at strengthening relationships among players and staff.
Tottenham are bottom of the Premier League table and remain without a victory this season ahead of their meeting with Coventry City on Monday.
A win would lift them out of the relegation zone, while another disappointing result could increase the pressure on De Zerbi.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Italian explained that the team had introduced restrictions on phone use during breakfast, lunch and dinner to encourage players to interact more.
“We worked on the pitch, we stayed together,” he said. “We removed phones from breakfast, lunch and dinner to stay together, and to speak because now it’s like (on the phone) all the time.
“We had two or three important meetings speaking about football and our situation (for) everyone to take responsibility. Nothing more. Some dinners just for the players, some dinners with the staff.”
However, De Zerbi stressed that the camp was not designed to impose excessive restrictions on the players, adding that they were free to spend time together outside training.
Asked whether the players could go out together after training, he replied, “Yes. The players, like the staff, they went with freedom.
“No military rules. I love freedom.”
The former Brighton and Marseille manager said he was exploring different ways to improve the team’s performances and change their current situation.
“As a coach, you understand you have to improve, you have to be better, you have to change the situation. You try to find all solutions.
“I already did this type of training camp with Marseille two times and I think it was very important, it was a good solution.
“I spoke with the club, with Vinai (Venkatesham, CEO), with Johan (Lange, sporting director) with the owner and together, we took the decision, but it’s nothing special.
“It’s just to stay together and spend more time together, especially because in pre-season we couldn’t stay together. Many new players, many players came back from the World Cup.
“Three or four days together without family, putting the club at the top of their priorities, I think it’s normal and good.”
Meanwhile, Tottenham have received a boost ahead of their clash with Coventry, with Dejan Kulusevski expected to be named among the substitutes after recovering from a long-term knee injury.
The Sweden international has not featured for Spurs since their 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace 526 days ago.
However, Savio and Lucas Bergvall are set to miss the encounter, while Pedro Porro is also unavailable due to injury.
