Roberto De Zerbi has pledged to fund weekly team dinners for Tottenham Hotspur players if results improve, as the club battles to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
The Italian manager is attempting to boost morale ahead of a crucial fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion, with Spurs currently in the bottom three.
Incentive aimed at lifting squad morale
De Zerbi recently organised a team dinner in London following a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland in his first match in charge, a result that pushed Tottenham into the relegation zone for the first time in 17 years.
He confirmed he is willing to repeat the gesture regularly if performances improve.
“Yes, I don’t know if we win the game for dinner,” he said. “I know we eat very well. The food was amazing and if we win, I am ready to pay every week for one dinner.”
“I am positive, I am ready to fight and I believe to keep Premier League [status]. The focus is to win one game.”
De Zerbi emphasised that beyond points, the psychological impact of winning is critical at this stage of the season.
“Yes, I think it is crucial to win a game not just for the table… we have to feel again what is nice to win a game and what it can do.”
Mixed team news before Brighton clash
Tottenham’s preparations have been affected by injury setbacks, with captain Cristian Romero ruled out for the remainder of the campaign due to a knee problem.
However, there is a boost in midfield as Rodrigo Bentancur returns after a three-month absence.
“Bentancur is available to play. I don’t know if to start or not,” De Zerbi said.
He also confirmed Yves Bissouma is fully fit, while goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario remains unavailable.
Survival focus with season running out
With eight matches remaining, Tottenham are still searching for their first league win of the year, increasing pressure ahead of the Brighton fixture.
Despite their position, De Zerbi maintained confidence in his squad.
“We can win any way and we want to win any way,” he said.
