Roberto De Zerbi could not hide his enthusiasm when asked about Tottenham Hotspur’s activity in the recent transfer window. The Italian manager, who steered the club clear of relegation last season, described each of the newcomers as "bomba" – a slang term that translates to "big" or "explosive" in the world of social media.
In his own words, a "bomba" is a player of high quality, and he believes the seven first‑team signings, plus the loan arrival of Omar Marmoush, fit that definition perfectly. Tottenham’s summer spending spree amounted to roughly £320 million, a figure that underscores the club’s ambition to move beyond merely surviving in the Premier League. De Zerby, who was instrumental in shaping the transfer strategy, explained that after rescuing the team from a relegation battle, the logical next step was to bring in top‑level talent that could raise the overall standard and inject fresh motivation. "I’m very happy," he told Sky Sports’ Michael Bridge with a grin before the Saturday Night Football match against Newcastle United.
"We have recruited excellent players, and they all wanted to join us. I want our squad to feel proud and excited to be here. In modern football you need big ambition and strong drive – without those you cannot produce results." The manager admitted that while the current roster already looks strong, there may still be room for another addition, provided the club can balance the books by letting a few players depart. "We can consider ourselves very, very happy," he added, emphasizing the positive atmosphere surrounding the club.
De Zerbi’s influence goes beyond the boardroom. Several of the new arrivals have praised his personal approach, noting that his phone calls were simple yet heartfelt. "I live for passion, I live for football," he said when describing his conversations. "I explain the project – not my project, but the club’s vision – and they decided to come.
We are proud of that decision." His role in saving Spurs from the drop last season cannot be overstated. The final‑day victory over Everton, which secured the club’s Premier League status, remains a vivid memory for De Zerbi.
"It was perhaps the best day of my career," he reflected. "Not because we met the target – staying up – but because of the emotion and the struggle we endured over seven weeks. The players earned their place in the top flight." That emotional high, however, does not diminish the reality that every point in the Premier League must be fought for.
The opening weekend of the new campaign offered a stark reminder of that truth. Despite the influx of fresh talent, Tottenham were outplayed by Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
De Zerbi accepted responsibility, noting that the quality of the opposition was high and that his side needed to improve their cohesion and execution. "The names on the team sheet are not what matters," he said after the defeat.
"To win you must fight, run, and play well. The important thing is that we have signed quality players – that gives us a solid foundation." He also highlighted the inevitable growing‑pain period that accompanies a major squad overhaul. "Patience is required to find the right connections and balance among the players," De Zerbi explained. "You need to understand each teammate’s characteristics, and that chemistry does not develop overnight." Looking ahead, the manager is optimistic that the new‑look Spurs will begin to showcase their potential in the upcoming home fixture against Newcastle.
He believes that as the players become more familiar with one another’s strengths and tendencies, the team’s overall organization and resilience will improve. In summary, De Zerbi’s message is clear: Tottenham have assembled a "bomba" squad, and while there will be challenges in blending the new arrivals, the club’s ambition, financial backing, and managerial vision set the stage for a more competitive future.
The fans can expect a side that not only aims to avoid relegation but also strives to contend for higher league positions, provided the players maintain the drive and unity that De Zerbi so passionately advocates.