De Zerbi bans phones at Marbella camp as winless Spurs prepare for crunch Coventry clash

Roberto De Zerbi banned mobile phones at mealtimes during Tottenham’s warm-weather training camp in Marbella, Spain, as the Italian head coach attempts to drag his side off the foot of the Premier League table ahead of Monday’s home fixture against newly promoted Coventry.

Spurs have collected just three points from their opening six league games — the only top-flight side yet to record a win this season after Fulham’s victory over Hull on Saturday. The winless run comes despite the club spending more than £380 million across 10 summer signings following a narrow escape from relegation last term.

De Zerbi used the Marbella camp to address both team cohesion and collective responsibility. “We worked on the pitch, we stayed together — we removed phones from breakfast, lunch and dinner to stay together because now it is like [being on phones] all the time,” he told a press conference. “We had two or three important meetings speaking about football, our situation and how everyone has to take responsibility.”

The 45-year-old said he had used the same approach twice during his time at Marseille with positive results, and that the decision was taken in consultation with chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, sporting director Johan Lange, and the club’s ownership. “Three or four days together without family, putting the club at the top of their priorities, is normal and is good,” he added.

De Zerbi did receive a significant boost ahead of the Coventry match with the return of Dejan Kulusevski. The Swedish winger has been absent for 526 days following complications from a serious knee injury and is expected to be named on the bench at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

James Maddison could also start for the first time in 2026 after his own extended layoff, while De Zerbi confirmed that Xavi Simons remains sidelined and is not expected to return until the new year. “I am very close with Xavi Simons in this moment — I follow him step by step in his journey as an injured player,” the coach said.