- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi prohibited mobile phones during all team meals at a warm-weather training camp in Marbella, where the Premier League's bottom-placed side gathered after failing to win any of its opening six fixtures.
De Zerbi, who previously ran similar camps twice with Marseille, said the measure aimed to strengthen squad bonds. Players and staff also held multiple meetings addressing football matters, the club's situation, and individual responsibility, with some dinners restricted to players only and others to staff only.
De Zerbi developed the plan alongside owner, Vinai Venkatesham, and Johan Lange. He stressed the environment was not overly rigid, noting players could go out independently in Marbella and that there were no military rules.
Dejan Kulusevski returned to the squad in Spain after a 526-day injury absence. James Maddison, who has not started since suffering damage in 2025, may feature against Coventry on Monday, though De Zerbi said he was uncertain whether the midfielder would begin the home match. Xavi Simons continues to recover from the same injury, with De Zerbi following him step by step in the recovery journey.
Source: ESPN - Sun Oct 18, 5:55 PM ET
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).