De Zerbi urges Tottenham to turn United fightback into team spirit

Roberto De Zerbi says Tottenham Hotspur must build on their determination at Manchester United and become a genuine team during their training camp in Marbella, Spain.

Spurs earned a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Saturday after Dominic Solanke scored a late equaliser, despite Rodrigo Bentancur being sent off.

Tottenham had been the better side for much of the first half but fell behind in the 73rd minute when Bryan Mbeumo found the net. Their challenge became more difficult five minutes later when Bentancur received a red card.

However, De Zerbi’s side continued to compete and were rewarded in the 92nd minute when Solanke headed in from close range. The goal was his first of the season and came while he was wearing the captain’s armband for the first time.

The response at Old Trafford pleased De Zerbi, who believes his players showed the collective commitment he expects more regularly. Tottenham now have a nine-day gap before their next fixture, giving them time to work on that unity in Spain.

“We have to build the team,” De Zerbi said.

“Now the target is to build the team, not the group of the players. We are a great group of players, but we are not a team yet.”

The Tottenham head coach said the way his players dealt with difficult circumstances against Manchester United offered evidence of what they can achieve together.

“This game (Manchester United), we show to be a team. To be a team is to play for the team-mates, suffer together, attack together, defend together,” he said.

De Zerbi demands impact from substitutes

De Zerbi also made clear that players introduced late in matches must approach the game with the same responsibility as those who start. He said they should not consider themselves to have a reduced role simply because they begin on the bench.

“The players who come inside five minutes, three minutes, like Mateus Fernandes, they have to play like they are in the first 11, without problems, without other faults,” he added.

The Italian believes Tottenham must find the right balance between self-belief and a willingness to keep improving. He wants that attitude to be evident both in daily training and when the team is competing.

“We have to find the balance between the confidence in ourselves and to be hungry in the training and in the games.”

Tottenham will aim to use their time in Marbella to develop greater consistency and a stronger collective identity before returning to Premier League action.

Their next match is against Coventry City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday.