---
title: "Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s Roberto De Zerbi claim has already come true after first Tottenham training session"
canonical: "https://readtottenham.com/2026/04/06/hojbjerg-de-zerbi-claim-has-already-come-true-after-first-tottenham-training-session/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Aditya Singh"
section: "Tottenham News"
published: "2026-04-06T11:00:00Z"
modified: "2026-04-06T11:00:00Z"
---

# Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s Roberto De Zerbi claim has already come true after first Tottenham training session

**Roberto De Zerbi seems to have made an impact on Tottenham players in just a few days. It would be crucial as well, considering their precarious situation in the Premier League.**

Tottenham are 17th in the standings, just one point above the relegation zone. Along with their players’ abilities, they will need every bit of unity, composure, and drive they can muster over the last seven games to avoid the drop.

They have appointed De Zerbi as their third manager this season, following Thomas Frank and interim manager Igor Tudor, and he is rated very highly. Notably, the Italian received a glowing review from former Spurs star Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in November last year.

## **Hojbjerg details De Zerbi’s connection with the dressing room**

De Zerbi took charge of his first training session at the Hotspur Way on Friday, April 3. [The Tottenham players were impressed by the Italian](https://readtottenham.com/2026/04/04/what-the-tottenham-players-think-about-roberto-de-zerbi-after-first-training-session/), with one unnamed player even labeling it ‘outstanding’.

This is in line with Hojbjerg’s immense praise for the 46-year-old head coach in an interview with [Onze Mondial](https://www.onzemondial.com/ligue-1/exclu-on-veut-battre-le-psg-le-taulier-de-lom-pierre-emile-hojbjerg-se-confie-971581) in November. He said:

“For me, it’s an honour to work with him. The coach… I don’t know how to explain it. He has a connection with the dressing room, he has an emotional relationship with the dressing room, Mourinho had the same thing.”

**Also Read:** [Adam Lallana reveals what he told Tottenham players about playing under Roberto De Zerbi](https://readtottenham.com/2026/04/01/lallana-reveals-what-he-told-tottenham-players-about-playing-under-de-zerbi/)

“Roberto De Zerbi has a feel for the dressing room, he understands the atmosphere, he grasps the behaviours, he knows in advance what’s going to happen the next day… (he pauses). Okay, I’ll stop there, otherwise I’ll end up saying too many wonderful things (smiles). It’s an honour to work with such a coach, in any case.”

Hojbjerg even likened De Zerbi to Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, and Antonio Conte, saying:

> Go behind the scenes for Roberto De Zerbi's first training session as Head Coach 📺 [pic.twitter.com/OKkQNyKNBh](https://t.co/OKkQNyKNBh)
>
> — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) [April 3, 2026](https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/2040156207265018263?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

“I’ve been lucky enough to have coaches like \[Pep\] Guardiola, José Mourinho, and Antonio Conte. And I put Roberto De Zerbi in the same category.”

Hojbjerg played 62 games under De Zerbi at Marseille and recorded six goals and seven assists from central midfield. He played under Guardiola at Bayern Munich and Mourinho and Conte at Tottenham.

## **Hojbjerg’s comments will give Tottenham fans some hope**

After an abysmal season, there is, unsurprisingly, a big lack of belief amidst the Tottenham fanbase. It further intensified after their 3-0 defeat against relegation rivals Nottingham Forest at home in their last game.

> Roberto De Zerbi’s first interview as Tottenham Hotspur Head Coach 🗣️ [pic.twitter.com/PJRwccK1Y7](https://t.co/PJRwccK1Y7)
>
> — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) [April 2, 2026](https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/2039727052371447974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

However, De Zerbi’s arrival has brought in new hope at the club among both fans and players. He will get around 10 days of training before his first game in charge. Moreover, key players like Mohammed Kudus could also return to action.

**Also Read:** [Tottenham take big step towards making Roberto De Zerbi their very own Sir Alex Ferguson](https://readtottenham.com/2026/04/03/tottenham-take-big-step-towards-making-roberto-de-zerbi-their-very-own-sir-alex-ferguson/)

This renewed optimism, however, will need strengthening on April 12 when they face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. If they fail to beat the Black Cats, it could soon turn into despair again.