Tottenham’s Premier League home clash against Brighton is arguably the most important game of their recent Premier League history.
They haven’t won a game in the competition since late December and desperately need three points to stand a chance of avoiding relegation.
Roberto De Zerbi’s arrival has given them some hope, but their 1-0 loss against Sunderland was humbling, to say the least, as most of their problems came to the fore.
And now, ahead of the visit of the Seagulls, the Italian has addressed the lack of a coach welcome for his Tottenham players as most of them arrive at the ground on their own.
No Tottenham coach welcome for Brighton clash
Tottenham’s last home game was the 3-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest, which turned out to be Igor Tudor’s last game as interim manager.
The result was obviously not what they expected, but ahead of the game, Tottenham fans showed up in large numbers and gave their players a rapturous welcome ahead of what was expected to be a game that could turn around their fortunes.
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However, for the game against Brighton, there won’t be anything of that sort. De Zerbi prefers his players to reach the ground well in advance, where they will have a team meeting followed by lunch.
However, when asked if he would be open to changing his routine, the Italian spoke candidly, addressing the importance of the fans.
“Yes, but I didn’t know the fans wanted to make this part again,” said De Zerbi as quoted by George Sessions on X.
“I am very sensitive with the fans and what they want to do, I consider the fans in every team l’ve been as a player, like a player.”
“But I didn’t know but for the next time, if the people ask me to change the plan, no problem.”
“I don’t want to put pressure on the players with my plan but what the fans want to do is good for us, it’s something more.”
De Zerbi needs home fans more than ever
The coach welcome ahead of the game against Forest proved that the Tottenham fans are still willing to show up in large numbers to get behind the team.
The clash against Brighton is De Zerbi’s first home game at his new job, so he will obviously take some time to get used to the expectations.
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He has made it abundantly clear that he is willing to change his ways so that his players can feel the support of the home fans before a game.
In fact, team bonding is clearly a huge aspect of his coaching philosophy. De Zerbi took the Tottenham players out to a lavish dinner ahead of the game against Brighton as he urged his players to show up for their teammates.
Nevertheless, the primary aim will be to get three points against Brighton. If they fail to do so, it looks like a long road back for Tottenham to save their Premier League status.
