New Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi made a big impact on his players during his first training session at Hotspur Way, according to Football London correspondent Alasdair Gold.
The 46-year-old signed a five-year deal as Tottenham boss earlier this week having performed a U-turn on wanting to take the job in the summer, rather than now.
Spurs decided that they needed their number one target now to try and ensure they don’t suffer a devastating relegation to the Championship, with seven matches to go.
The north Londoners have made De Zerbi the third best-paid manager in the Premier League behind only Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola, according to GIVEMESPORT sources, as they look to the 46-year-old to fully transform Tottenham over a long-term project.
De Zerbi will be determined to stop the club dropping into England’s second tier, with work beginning on the training ground on Good Friday ahead of his maiden match in charge against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light a week on Sunday.
Tottenham Players go Home With ‘Rave Reviews’
According to Gold, writing for Football London, a number of Tottenham players went home with ‘rave reviews’ after De Zerbi’s first training session on Friday.
The message from the Italian in terms of keeping possession was clear as footage emerged from Hotspur Way, as he looks to quickly implement his style ahead of the crucial upcoming fixtures.
One player is said to have told his friends that the opening training session was ‘outstanding’ with numerous others providing glowing reports after getting back on the pitch following the international break.
De Zerbi Has Some Big Decisions to Make
The Italian has a week to decide what his strongest XI is going to be for the trip to Wearside, from the players he has available to him for selection.
The 46-year-old has already been boosted by the return to training of Mathys Tel after he went off with an issue during the 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest prior to the international break.
Despite former boss Igor Tudor suggesting he was progressing well and might be available after the three-week gap in fixtures, there was no sign of Mohammed Kudus at Hotspur Way following three months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
Ben Davies, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Sarr are the other players who could be available for De Zerbi after injury, with the latter picking up a shoulder issue while on international duty with Senegal.
As well as on the pitch, De Zerbi has decisions to make off the pitch too as he looks to lead the Tottenham revolution.
GIVEMESPORT understands that the Italian will have a big say on who the club chooses as its next sporting director.