De Zerbi Anders: Spurs manager demands motivation or exit

Manager Roberto De Zerbi of Tottenham Hotspur has made it clear that only motivated players will stay this season – De Zerbi Anders, he said, and anyone lacking pride must leave. The Italiaan opened the door wide for dissatisfied players, insisting that the squad be built on commitment.

"When I arrived at the club at the end of last season, I asked the players who wanted to stay. If you're not proud to be here, you must go," De Zerbi said on Saturday at a press moment in Nieuw-Zeeland, where the Spurs will train against Auckland FC on Sunday.

The Italiaan, who rescued the Londenaren from relegation in the spring, pointed to a favourite confirmed at the World Cup as proof that motivation makes the difference. He noted that several teams showed how drive can change outcomes.

During the summer, De Zerbi welcomed Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. Their arrivals mean the chance of playing time for Lucas Bergvall is now very small.

The twenty‑year‑old Swedish midfielder has expressed a desire to move to Nottingham Forest, a club that turned down a €45 million offer for him.

Spurs will concentrate on strengthening attacking positions in the coming weeks. "Our window is not closed yet; we still need players," De Zerbi added, underlining the ongoing recruitment drive.