Tottenham Hotspur may have stumbled through the opening trio of Premier League fixtures this campaign, yet new signing Matheus Fernandes remains convinced he has become part of a side that will soon be contesting for trophies. The 22‑year‑old Portuguese midfielder arrived from West Ham United for a reported £85 million fee after a season that saw him register three goals and four assists for the Hammers. His performances attracted interest from a host of clubs, including Manchester United, but Spurs ultimately outbid the competition and secured his services. Fernandes says the decisive factor in his decision was the personal connection he forged with head coach Roberto De Zerbi during the negotiation process.
In a pre‑match interview with Sky Sports ahead of Tottenham’s Saturday Night Football clash against Everton, Fernandes explained, "I spoke with the Mister and he was the key for this decision." He described the meeting with De Zerbi as an instant spark of energy and passion for the game, noting that the manager took the time to speak not only with him but also with his parents. "He told my dad, ‘we’ll take care of him,’" Fernandes recalled, emphasizing that the conversation extended beyond a simple contract discussion and involved genuine concern for his well‑being and development. Fernandes went on to praise De Zerbi’s character, calling him "a top manager" whose influence can be felt both on and off the pitch. He recounted the moment he first met the coach on the first day of pre‑season, saying, "He was very happy, and I was thrilled to be playing for him.
I told him, ‘I chose Tottenham because one of the biggest reasons was you.’" This admiration was not merely about De Zerbi’s charisma; the Italian’s tactical philosophy also resonated with the midfielder. "As a midfielder, I love his style of football," Fernandes said, highlighting how De Zerbi’s emphasis on possession, fluid movement, and intelligent pressing aligns with his own strengths and aspirations. Beyond the managerial bond, Fernandes believes that the quality of the Tottenham squad will elevate his own performance levels.
He noted, "I think I can become a much better player than I was last season because the squad is full of big, experienced, high‑quality players. When you train and play alongside better teammates, you naturally improve." He pointed to the depth of talent at the club – from seasoned internationals to emerging prospects – as a catalyst for his personal growth. The Portuguese midfielder is eager to translate this potential into tangible contributions on match days, aiming to add goals, assists, and creative spark to a team that has struggled to convert early‑season optimism into points.
Despite the lack of victories in the opening weeks, Fernandes remains undeterred. He acknowledged the criticism directed at Spurs but expressed confidence that the team will soon silence doubters. "When you win, you feel like the best; when you lose, you feel like the worst," he said, underscoring the emotional roller‑coaster of football.
"We just focus on ourselves. If you believe in the club and the manager, you understand that you need time to learn the timings and tactics. Once everything clicks, it’s like ketchup – it starts spilling over," he added, using a vivid metaphor to describe how momentum can build once the pieces fall into place.
Fernandes’ journey in English football has been a mixed bag. His first two seasons ended in relegation – first with Southampton, then with West Ham – experiences that have left him hungry for success. "One of the reasons I came here is to win something," he affirmed.
"We want to win games, we want to fight for titles, and with this squad, it’s normal to aim for trophies." He admitted that the recent run of three winless games is a setback, but he stressed the importance of patience and composure. "We need to calm down, take our time, and then, like I said, it’s like ketchup – once you win one game, the next ones become easier," he said, suggesting that confidence can be contagious. Looking ahead, Fernandes, his teammates, and the Tottenham faithful are hoping the upcoming fixture against Everton will mark the start of a turnaround.
The midfielder’s belief in De Zerbi’s vision, combined with the collective talent of the squad, provides a foundation for a season that could see the club climb back into the upper echelons of English football. As the clock ticks down to kick‑off at 5.30 pm on Saturday, the narrative is clear: Tottenham have the pieces, the manager, and the ambition; now they need to translate that into results and, ultimately, silverware.