Roberto De Zerbi could not hide his enthusiasm when asked about Tottenham Hotspur’s activity in the recent transfer market. In his own slang, he described each newcomer as "bomba" – a term borrowed from social media that conveys something big, surprising or of high quality. The Italian manager’s smile was unmistakable during his interview with Sky Sports News’ Michael Bridge ahead of the Saturday Night Football clash with Newcastle United, and his optimism reflected the massive overhaul the club has undergone.
Tottenham have splashed roughly £320 million on seven first‑team acquisitions this summer and have also secured a loan deal for forward Omar Marmoush. The spending spree is aimed at reshaping a side that barely avoided relegation last season, finishing just above the drop zone after a tense final‑day victory over Everton. De Zerbi, who was tasked with rescuing the club from that precarious position, has been instrumental in driving the transfer agenda, insisting that the club needed "top additions" to secure its Premier League status. When asked what the word "bomba" meant to him, De Zerbi explained, "In my vocabulary a bomba is a great player.
I’m very happy because we have brought in very good players, especially because they wanted to come. I want the squad to feel proud and happy to stay here.
To play football now you need big motivation, big ambitions – without that it is impossible to get results." He added that the current group of players constitutes "a great squad, a great team," and while acknowledging that a few more signings may be necessary and that some departures will follow, he emphasized that the overall sentiment at the club is one of satisfaction. The manager’s influence extends beyond tactics; several of the new arrivals have praised De Zerbi for his personal phone calls that convinced them to join the Spurs project. When pressed about what he says on those calls, he shrugged modestly, "Nothing special. I live off passion.
I live for football. I explain our project – not my project – and we were lucky because they accepted and we’re very happy and proud." This understated approach belies the impact his words can have on players seeking a clear vision and a sense of belonging. De Zerbi’s task last season was far from guaranteed. Tottenham were embroiled in a relegation battle that stretched over seven weeks, culminating in a dramatic win over Everton that secured their top‑flight status.
The manager recalled those emotions, describing the day as "maybe the best day in my career," not because of the target but because of the sheer relief and joy after such a grueling period. He noted that the players deserved to stay up, and that the collective effort had produced "big emotion, big memories." The new campaign, however, has already presented challenges. In the opening weekend, Spurs faced Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium and were outplayed, overwhelmed, and ultimately outmatched.
De Zerbi acknowledged the defeat, stressing that while individual names are not the primary factor, the team must fight, run, and execute well to secure points. He highlighted the importance of the quality brought in over the summer, stating, "It is very important to have signed such quality, but the patience to find the connection and balance between the players is essential." According to De Zerbi, building cohesion takes time.
He explained that understanding each teammate’s characteristics and establishing on‑field chemistry does not happen overnight. "The patience is to find the connection, the balance between the players. To give organisation you have to know the characteristics of your teammates and the connection is not so fast to reach," he said. He also admitted that Brentford deserved their win, noting that Tottenham did not play to their potential and could have performed much better.
Looking ahead, De Zerbi’s immediate goal is to see his revamped squad demonstrate its latent potential in the first home Premier League match of the season against Newcastle. He believes that the newly signed talent will gradually gel, providing the team with the depth and quality needed to compete consistently against the league’s elite.
"The name of the players is not crucial," he reiterated. "To make results you have to fight, run, play well. But as a start, I think it's very important to have signed such quality." Beyond the tactical aspects, De Zerbi is also focused on fostering a culture of ambition and motivation within the dressing room. He wants every player to feel proud of wearing the Spurs badge and to understand that the club’s recent investments are a statement of intent.
By combining his passion for the game with a clear project for the future, he hopes to transform Tottenham into a side that not only avoids relegation battles but also challenges for higher positions in the table. In summary, the Italian coach’s enthusiasm for the summer signings, his modest yet persuasive communication style, and his realistic outlook on team development all point toward a new chapter for Tottenham Hotspur. While the first few matches may expose growing pains, De Zerbi’s belief that the squad is "great" and his commitment to patience and cohesion suggest that the club’s significant financial outlay could soon translate into on‑field success.
Fans will be watching closely as the new‑look Spurs aim to turn the promise of a "bomba" squad into tangible results throughout the season.