Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison has lifted the lid on an unconventional team-building approach adopted by new head coach Roberto de Zerbi, revealing that the Italian encouraged players to enjoy a few beers together as part of pre-season preparations.
The England international explained that the informal gathering was designed to strengthen relationships within the squad before the demands of the Premier League campaign begin. According to Maddison, De Zerbi felt that allowing the players a relaxed social setting away from the training pitch would help forge a tighter bond heading into the new season.
"De Zerbi let us bond over a few beers," Maddison said, crediting the manager for creating an environment where the group could connect on a personal level rather than purely through structured training sessions.
The gesture comes at a pivotal moment for Tottenham, who are determined to put a difficult campaign behind them. The north London club endured a torrid time last season, eventually finishing 17th in the Premier League table, a position that fell well below the standards and expectations traditionally associated with the club. Such a finish prompted significant introspection at the club and ultimately led to De Zerbi's appointment as the man tasked with revitalising the squad and restoring competitiveness.
De Zerbi, known for his progressive and possession-based footballing philosophy from his time in Italian and English football, appears keen to instil not just tactical discipline but also a strong sense of unity among his players. Maddison's comments suggest that the manager understands the importance of camaraderie as a foundation for on-pitch performance, particularly after a season that clearly tested the mental resilience of the squad.
The timing of the bonding session, coming ahead of the new campaign, indicates a deliberate strategy by De Zerbi to reset the mood within the dressing room. After finishing so low in the table, Tottenham's players will be eager to demonstrate that lessons have been learned and that the disappointment of last season can be transformed into motivation for the months ahead.
Maddison, who has been a key creative presence for Spurs, seems encouraged by the manager's early approach and the willingness to blend social interaction with professional preparation. Such initiatives are often viewed by players as a sign of trust and a break from the pressures typically associated with elite football, potentially fostering greater openness and communication among teammates.
Tottenham's business in the transfer market has also signalled ambition for the upcoming season. The club have agreed a deal worth £75 million to sign Savinho, a move that underlines the scale of investment being made to support De Zerbi's rebuilding project. The arrival of such a marquee signing, combined with the manager's focus on squad unity, points to a comprehensive effort to ensure Tottenham are far better equipped to compete at the top end of the table than they were twelve months ago.
With pre-season now well underway, all eyes will be on how De Zerbi's blend of tactical innovation and personal connection translates into results once competitive fixtures begin. For a club desperate to move on from a disappointing campaign, the hope among players like Maddison is that these early efforts to build trust and togetherness will pay dividends when it matters most.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.