De Zerbi’s Message to Tottenham Squad
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi made his stance clear before the pre‑season friendly against Auckland FC in New Zealand. He told any player who is not fully committed or proud to wear the Spurs shirt that they should consider leaving the club this summer.
“I was very clear at the start of my time at Tottenham,” De Zerbi said. “If you don’t want to stay, if you’re not happy or proud to be here, you have to go. I want players who are motivated and eager to step onto the pitch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.”
Lucas Bergvall’s Future Under Scrutiny
The future of 20‑year‑old Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall remains uncertain. Nottingham Forest have already had a £38 million bid rejected and are expected to return with an improved offer in the region of £45 million.
Bergvall joined Spurs from Djurgården in 2024 but has struggled for regular game time under De Zerbi. He started the Italian’s first match in charge – a 1‑0 loss at Sunderland – and made only four substitute appearances for the remainder of the season.
Midfield Competition Intensifies
The arrival of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United in a £100 million deal and Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for £85 million has heightened competition in midfield. De Zerbi confirmed he has not yet spoken with Bergvall but expects a decision soon.
“I will talk with Lucas in the next days and we will make the best decision for the club, for him and for everyone involved,” he added. “If he wants to stay, I’ll be happy. Otherwise we’ll work with the sporting directors to find a solution.”
Defensive Additions and Further Signings Expected
Tottenham have bolstered their back line with the signings of Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi. Nevertheless, De Zerbi hinted that more arrivals are still needed before the transfer window closes.
“Our transfer market work isn’t finished yet,” he said. “We need to bring in another couple of players – maybe more, maybe not less – to strengthen the squad.”
Injury Updates on Kudus, Kulusevski and Simons
While Bergvall’s situation dominates headlines, De Zerbi also provided updates on other squad members. Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski remain in London as they continue their recoveries from long‑term injuries.
“Kudus is very close to returning,” De Zerbi noted. “He should be ready to start training with us once we’re back in London.”
Regarding Kulusevski, the coach added: “We need to assess him over the next couple of weeks. After a full season without game time, we must be careful not to take risks – for his sake and for the team’s.”
Meanwhile, attacking midfielder Xavi Simons opened up about the anterior cruciate ligament injury that ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup, describing the first four days as the toughest period of his career.
“I couldn’t sleep, I didn’t eat for a week, I was in constant pain, vomiting and dizzy,” Simons told the club’s website. “I don’t wish that experience on anyone. Now I’m in a good place and happy with my progress.”
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