De Zerbi’s Tottenham fitness decision questioned before Manchester United test

Tottenham’s decision to give non-international players a full week off during the break has raised concerns among supporters, despite manager Roberto De Zerbi repeatedly insisting that the squad’s fitness must improve.

The club are bottom of the Premier League after losing 3-2 to Aston Villa, leaving them without a league victory so far. The result has intensified fears over Tottenham’s prospects after they only avoided relegation last season.

However, the decision to rest those remaining in London was made before the defeat by Aston Villa. According to Foot Mercato, citing The Telegraph, the timing reflects a standard approach used by fitness specialists when an extended international break is expected to last three weeks.

De Zerbi had said after the Villa match that greater work was needed with the players who would not be joining their national teams. He specifically referred to James Maddison, Conor Gallagher, Dominic Solanke, Tosin Adarabioyo and Marcos Senesi, whose physical condition he believes still requires improvement.

Solanke, in particular, was identified as an example of a player who needs to regain both match rhythm and strength.

Tottenham had not arranged an overseas training camp or any behind-closed-doors friendly matches during the break. Players not selected by their countries are expected to return to the club’s training centre the following week, when preparations will resume.

“Nevertheless, the timing of the decision makes it difficult for supporters to understand,” Foot Mercato said. “While Roberto De Zerbi stated that he had identified fitness as one of his team’s problems, the players concerned will ultimately benefit from additional days off during this period. It remains to be seen whether this choice will pay off.”

The report added: “The answer will become clear when competitive action resumes with a meeting against Manchester United on 10 October, which will be the first test of this strategy.”

The break therefore gives Tottenham time to recover and prepare, but it also means De Zerbi’s stated concerns over fitness will not be addressed through a full programme of training and matches for the players who remain at the club.