Tottenham Hotspur may have stumbled through the opening trio of Premier League fixtures this campaign, yet newly‑arrived midfielder Matheus Fernandes remains convinced that he has landed at a club poised to chase silverware. The Portuguese international, who joined the North London side for a reported £85 million, was heavily pursued after a standout season with West Ham United. While Manchester United also expressed interest, they ultimately could not match Tottenham’s offer, allowing the Spurs to secure his signature.
Fernandes says the decisive factor in his choice was the dialogue he had with head coach Roberto De Zerbi. "When I spoke with the manager, it changed everything for me," the 22‑year‑old explained to Sky Sports ahead of Tottenham’s Saturday Night Football encounter with Everton. "You can feel his energy, his passion for the game, both on and off the pitch. He even took the time to talk to my parents, reassuring them that they could trust him with my development.
It wasn’t just about me; it was about my whole support network." He added that De Zerbi’s personal touch made a lasting impression: "He told my dad, ‘we’ll look after him,’ and that meant a lot. It showed me he cares about his players as people, not just as footballers." Fernandes recalled the moment the transfer was completed: "On the first day of pre‑season I met De Zerbi and he was thrilled to have me. I told him straight away that one of the biggest reasons I chose Tottenham was because of him.
He’s a top‑class manager, and I’m excited to work under his guidance." Beyond the manager’s charisma, Fernandes was drawn to De Zerbi’s footballing philosophy. The Italian coach is known for an attacking, possession‑based style that encourages midfielders to be creative and forward‑moving. "As a midfielder, that suits me perfectly," Fernandes said, noting that the tactical freedom promised by De Zerbi aligns with his own strengths. Fernandes believes that surrounding himself with a higher‑quality squad will elevate his own game.
Reflecting on his previous season at West Ham, where he contributed three goals and four assists, he said, "I think I can become a much better player here. The squad is full of experienced, talented individuals.
When you train and play alongside better players, you naturally raise your own level." So far, Spurs have struggled to translate potential into points, managing only a single draw from their first three matches. Despite the early criticism, Fernandes remains optimistic.
"Winning makes you feel on top of the world; losing can feel devastating," he admitted. "But we have to stay focused on our own progress. If you believe in the club and the manager, you understand that it takes time to learn the system, the timings, and the tactical nuances. Once everything clicks, success will start to flow – like ketchup finally spilling out of a bottle." His confidence is tempered by the reality that his first two seasons in English football ended in relegation – first with Southampton, then with West Ham.
This time, however, he is determined to experience triumph. "One of the main reasons I came to Tottenham is to win trophies," he asserted.
"We want to win matches, we want to fight for titles, and with the quality we have in this squad, it’s a realistic goal." Fernandes acknowledged the recent winless run but stressed patience. "We haven’t won the last three games, so we need to calm down, regroup, and give ourselves time. Once we get that first win, the momentum will build – it’s like ketchup, once it starts flowing it becomes easier to keep it moving." Looking ahead, Fernandes, his teammates, and the Tottenham faithful hope the upcoming clash with Everton will mark a turning point. The match is set to kick off at 5:30 pm on Sky Sports, and many will be watching to see if the Spurs can finally convert belief into points and begin a genuine title challenge under De Zerbi’s stewardship.