Tottenham Hotspur may have stumbled through the opening trio of Premier League fixtures this campaign, yet newly‑arrived midfielder Matheus Fernandes remains convinced he has joined a side that will soon be contesting for silverware. The Portuguese international, who arrived for a reported £85 million fee after an impressive spell with West Ham United, was pursued by several top clubs, including Manchester United. However, United ultimately could not match Spurs’ valuation, and Fernandes chose the north‑London outfit for reasons that go beyond money.
The decisive factor, according to Fernandes, was his dialogue with head coach Roberto De Zerbi. In a pre‑match interview with Sky Sports ahead of the Saturday Night Football clash against Everton, he explained: “I spoke with the Mister and he was the key for this decision.” He went on to describe the palpable energy and genuine passion for the game that De Zerbi exuded during their conversation. “He talked to me, to my dad, to my mum. It wasn’t just about me; it was about the people around me.
He told my dad, ‘we’ll take care of him.’” Fernandes added that the manager’s charisma extended both on and off the pitch, and he felt privileged to work under such a figure. Fernandes’ admiration for De Zerbi was evident from the moment the transfer was completed. He recalled the first day of pre‑season, saying: “I met him and he was very happy.
I was thrilled to be playing for him. I told him, ‘One of the biggest reasons I chose Tottenham was you.’” The Portuguese midfielder also praised the Italian’s footballing philosophy, noting that the style suits his own strengths as a midfielder. “The way he sets up his teams is exactly what I love as a player,” he said. Beyond the managerial allure, Fernandes believes that the quality of the Tottenham squad will elevate his own performances.
The 22‑year‑old, who contributed three goals and four assists for West Ham last season, is confident that surrounding himself with experienced, high‑calibre teammates will help him develop further. “When you play with better players, you naturally raise your own level.
I think I can become a much better player than I was last season,” he asserted. Despite the optimism, Tottenham’s early season form has been underwhelming, yielding only a single point from three matches.
Nevertheless, Fernandes remains steadfast in his belief that the team will soon turn the tide and silence the critics. He reflected on the duality of football fortunes: “When you win, you feel like the best; when you lose, you feel like the worst. We just need to focus on ourselves.” He emphasized the importance of patience and understanding the manager’s tactical nuances, comparing the eventual breakthrough to ketchup finally spilling out of a bottle after a gentle shake.
Fernandes’ career in English football has been a mixed bag. He endured relegation with Southampton in 2022 and again with West Ham in 2023, experiences that have left him yearning for success. His move to Tottenham represents a fresh start with a clear objective: to win trophies. “One of the reasons I came here is to win something,” he said.
“We want to win games, we want to fight for titles, and with this squad, it’s natural to aim for the top.” He acknowledged the recent winless streak but remained hopeful that momentum will soon shift. “We need to calm down, take our time, and then, like I said, it’s like ketchup – once you win one game, it becomes easier to win the next.” Looking ahead, Fernandes, his teammates, and the Spurs faithful will be eager to see whether the optimism translates into results when Tottenham host Everton on Saturday.
The match, broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League, offers the first real test of whether the new signing’s confidence and the manager’s vision can spark a turnaround for a club that aspires to challenge for honors this season.