Tottenham Hotspur may have stumbled through their opening trio of Premier League fixtures, yet newly‑arrived midfielder Matheus Fernandes remains convinced he has landed at a club poised to chase trophies. The 22‑year‑old Portuguese, who joined the north‑London side for a reported £85 million, was heavily courted after a standout season with West Ham United. Manchester United also expressed interest, but ultimately could not match Spurs' valuation.
What tipped the balance for Fernandes was not the financial package but a series of conversations with head coach Roberto De Zerbi. "I spoke with the Mister and he was the key for this decision," Fernandes told Sky Sports ahead of Tottenham’s Saturday Night Football clash with Everton. "You can feel his energy, his passion for the game when you talk to him.
He even spoke with my dad and my mum, reassuring them that they would be taken care of. It wasn’t just about me; it was about my family too. He said to my dad, ‘we’ll look after him.’" The Portuguese praised De Zerbi as a top‑class manager, noting that his influence is evident both on and off the pitch, and expressed genuine excitement about working under his guidance.
Fernandes made his admiration for the coach explicit as soon as the transfer was completed. "On the first day of pre‑season I met him and he was very happy, and I was thrilled to be playing for him.
I told him, ‘I chose Tottenham because a huge part of that decision was you.’" The manager’s reputation for articulate communication was only part of the appeal; De Zerbi’s footballing philosophy also resonated with the midfielder. "As a midfielder, I love his style of play," Fernandes said, highlighting the emphasis on fluid possession, intelligent movement and tactical flexibility that the Italian brings to the Spurs’ setup. Beyond the coaching factor, Fernandes believes that the quality of Tottenham’s squad will elevate his own performances. He reflected on his final season at West Ham, where he contributed three goals and four assists, and argued that surrounding himself with experienced, high‑calibre teammates will push him to new heights.
"When you play alongside better players, you naturally improve your own game. The squad is full of big names, seasoned professionals and players with great technical ability. I’m confident I can become a much better player here than I was last season," he asserted.
The early season results, however, have been sobering. Tottenham have managed only a single point from their first three league matches, drawing criticism from fans and pundits alike. Despite the bleak start, Fernandes remains steadfast in his belief that the team will soon reverse its fortunes.
"I know the feeling: when you win, you feel on top of the world; when you lose, you feel at the bottom," he explained. "We have to focus on ourselves, trust the club, trust the manager, and give ourselves time to learn the tactical nuances. Once everything clicks, it will be like ketchup—once it starts flowing, it won’t stop." Fernandes’s journey in English football has been a roller‑coaster.
He endured relegation with Southampton in 2019‑20 and again with West Ham in 2022‑23. Those experiences have left him hungry for success, and he views his move to Tottenham as a genuine chance to win silverware. "One of the main reasons I came here was to fight for trophies," he said.
"We want to win games, we want to compete for titles, and with this squad it feels natural to aim for the top." He acknowledged the recent winless run but stressed patience and belief in the process. "We haven’t won the last three games, so we need to settle down, take our time, and keep working.
When we finally break the duck, the momentum will build, and success will become easier—like ketchup, once it starts, it keeps flowing." Looking ahead, Fernandes, his teammates and the Spurs faithful will be hoping that the upcoming fixture against Everton marks the start of a turnaround. The match, broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League at 5:30 pm on Saturday, offers the first real test of whether the manager’s vision and the players’ belief can translate into tangible results. If the team can secure a win, it could ignite the confidence needed to propel Tottenham back into the conversation for domestic and European honors.
In summary, Matheus Fernandes’s enthusiasm for Tottenham stems from a blend of personal rapport with Roberto De Zerbi, admiration for the club’s playing style, and the prospect of elevating his own game alongside a talented roster. While early results have been disappointing, his optimism and commitment suggest that the Spurs are on the cusp of a resurgence, with the potential to transform early-season setbacks into a campaign defined by ambition and, ultimately, triumph.