Tottenham Hotspur may have stumbled through their opening trio of Premier League fixtures, yet new signing Matheus Fernandes remains convinced that he has joined a side poised to compete for trophies. The 22‑year‑old Portuguese midfielder arrived in north London after an impressive campaign with West Ham United, attracting interest from a host of clubs, including Manchester United, who ultimately could not match Spurs' £85 million offer.
Fernandes says the decisive factor in his decision was the personal connection he forged with head coach Roberto De Zerbi, whose vision and character convinced him that Tottenham was the right destination. In a pre‑match interview with Sky Sports ahead of the Saturday Night Football encounter with Everton, Fernandes explained, “I spoke with the manager and that conversation was the turning point for me.” He highlighted the palpable energy and passion De Zerbi exudes when discussing football, noting that the coach even reached out to his parents during the recruitment process. “He told my dad, ‘we’ll look after him,’” Fernandes recalled, emphasizing that the manager’s commitment extended beyond the player himself to his family. “He’s a top‑class manager, both on and off the pitch, and I’m thrilled to work under him.” Fernandes’ admiration for De Zerbi was evident the moment the transfer was completed.
He recounted meeting the coach on the first day of pre‑season, saying, “He was delighted, and I was equally excited to be playing for him. I told him straight away, ‘I chose Tottenham mainly because of you.’” The Portuguese midfielder added that De Zerbi’s tactical philosophy resonated with his own playing style. “As a midfielder, his brand of football is exactly what I love,” he said, indicating that the manager’s approach aligns with his strengths in possession, movement, and creativity.
Beyond the personal rapport, Fernandes believes that the overall quality of the Spurs squad will elevate his own performances. Reflecting on his previous season with West Ham, where he contributed three goals and four assists, he asserted, “I’m confident I can become a much better player here than I was last season.” He pointed to the depth and experience within Tottenham’s roster, suggesting that training and competing alongside seasoned internationals will naturally improve his game. “When you surround yourself with better players, you raise your own level,” he explained.
Despite the optimism, the early part of the campaign has been frustrating for Spurs, who have managed only a single point from their first three matches. Nevertheless, Fernandes remains undeterred, insisting that belief in the club and the manager will eventually translate into results. “Winning makes you feel on top of the world; losing does the opposite,” he observed. “We must stay focused on ourselves.
If you trust the club and the coach, you understand that it takes time to learn the tactical nuances. Once everything clicks, it’s like ketchup – it will start flowing.” Fernandes’ journey in English football has not been without setbacks. He experienced relegation in his first two seasons, first with Southampton and then with West Ham. This history fuels his determination to succeed at Tottenham.
“One of the main reasons I came here is to win trophies,” he declared. “We want to win matches, we want to fight for titles, and with this group of players, it’s natural to aim for silverware.” Acknowledging the recent winless run, he stressed the need for patience and composure. “We haven’t won the last three games, so we need to calm down, take our time, and let things settle,” Fernandes said. “When we finally secure a victory, the momentum will build, and success will become easier, just like ketchup spilling over once it starts.” Looking ahead, Fernandes, his teammates, and the Tottenham faithful are eager to see whether the team can turn the tide on Saturday against Everton.
The match, broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League, offers an early opportunity for the new signing to demonstrate his impact and for the squad to begin delivering the performances that fans expect. In summary, Matheus Fernandes’ move to Tottenham was heavily influenced by his rapport with Roberto De Zerbi, whose enthusiasm and personal outreach convinced the young midfielder that the club’s project aligns with his ambitions.
He anticipates that the high‑calibre environment at Spurs will sharpen his abilities, and he is resolute in his desire to help the team chase trophies after experiencing disappointment in previous English seasons. The upcoming fixtures will be a test of whether belief, patience, and De Zerbi’s footballing philosophy can translate into tangible success on the pitch.