Tottenham Shift From Urgency to Patience Under De Zerbi
Ben Davies has outlined how Tottenham’s approach under Roberto De Zerbi has developed since the manager arrived late last season. In comments shared by Tottenham journalist Chris Cowlin and reported by Yardbarker, the defender contrasted the pressure for immediate results during De Zerbi’s first weeks with the work completed during a full pre-season.
Davies described a change from a results-focused situation toward a more controlled, possession-heavy approach. With more time on the training pitch, Tottenham have been working on circulating the ball patiently rather than forcing play forward.
From Urgency to Patience
According to Davies, the aim is to move the opposition’s defensive shape through deliberate possession before creating an opening. Tottenham are being coached to retain composure on the ball and avoid rushing passes into the forward line.
The approach is intended to create higher-value chances by drawing opponents forward and then finding space through the pitch.
Trusting the Middle of the Pitch
Davies identified build-up through the middle as a central part of De Zerbi’s approach. He said Tottenham’s central players are being trusted to receive the ball in tight spaces, turn under pressure and advance play.
He pointed to two pre-season goals as examples: Richarlison’s finish against TSG Hoffenheim at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Luca Williams-Barnett’s strike in a behind-closed-doors match at Hotspur Way. In both sequences, Tottenham stayed calm under pressure, drew the opposition forward and then played vertical passes into Pape Matar Sarr or Sandro Tonali.
Two Examples of the Approach
Davies’s account of those moves describes how deep possession can be turned into an attacking opportunity within a few touches. The emphasis, he said, is on each action having a purpose in moving the opposition and breaking them down.
The pre-season work has given Tottenham an opportunity to practise the possession principles Davies outlined, with patience on the ball and confidence in central areas forming key parts of the approach.
