De Zerbi’s bold text to Van Hecke reveals his recruitment tactics

In the late evening of today, at 23:08, Roberto De Zerbi disclosed a striking text he sent to Jan Paul van Hecke, the Dutch defender, after Brighton’s 2‑2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, highlighting the coach’s unconventional method of persuading players to join the London club.

De Zerbi explained that the manager of Tottenham Hotspur employs a remarkable way to convince players to sign for the club, relying on personal messages rather than traditional scouting channels.

Van Hecke had previously come close to delivering a nightmare for Spurs during a crucial moment in the relegation battle, when his actions threatened the team's survival.

"If the coach calls the player, you can build a special bond from the start, because the player knows you are the key to this transfer," De Zerbi said in an interview with The Athletic. "Maybe the player feels obliged to give you something more than if the technical director calls."

After the season finale against Everton, the Italian manager sent Van Hecke a message reminding the Oranje international that he was responsible for the 2‑2 result against Tottenham on behalf of Brighton.

In the absolute final phase of that match, the Dutchman provided the assist to Georginio Rutter, a decisive contribution that kept Tottenham’s relegation fate uncertain until the last round.

De Zerbi revealed the exact wording of his text: "Get lost, you wanted Tottenham to be relegated at Brighton’s expense when you gave the assist to Georginio Rutter. Now you must come to me, yes or yes, you have no choice!"

He added that after the match he first messaged his daughter in his office at Tottenham Stadium and then sent the same note to JP, underscoring his personal approach to recruitment.