De Zerbi Explains Why Spurs Switched to a Back Three Against Coventry | Press Conference

De Zerbi press conference following spurs victory over Coventry

Roberto De Zerbi's press conference after Tottenham beat Coventry for Spurs' first Premier League win of the season. He explains why he brought Dejan Kulusevski on "just for the fans", why Spurs switched to a back three, and what James Madison brings to the dressing room.

De Zerbi is honest that Spurs have played better in other games, and says Coventry's compact low block made this one of the toughest yet. He explains the back three: with Gallagher only just back, Bergvall injured and Fernandes missing training, he wanted control and protection against the counter-attack. Coventry didn't get a single counter.

He breaks down the shape, with Tonali as the single midfielder behind Marmoush, Maddison and Archie Gray in the pockets. He has praise for Robertson's first half and for Kudus and Solanke after the break. With Maddison and Kulusevski back, he says "there is another atmosphere" in the dressing room.

The bigger message is about the group. Spurs now know "we are able to win a game like other teams", and he wants a team that plays for each other: "not a family, but like a family". He also says the fans have "suffered too much" and deserve to celebrate many wins.

00:00 First win, and why Spurs played a back three
02:38 Any new injuries?
02:47 Tonali, Archie Gray
03:59 Maddison and Kulusevski: "
04:33 "We understood we are able to win"
06:19 Did Marbella make the difference?
07:21 Kulusevski on "just for the fans"
08:22 What's next? Chelsea

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