LONDON, 11 September 2026 — Inside the media suite at the Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on Hotspur Way, the determination across the Spurs squad is unmistakable.
Fresh off the training pitch in an immersive training session led by Spurs coaches as part of an exclusive delegation hosted by AIA Singapore, SportPlus and the Singapore media delegation got up close and personal with Italian head coach Roberto De Zerbi, as well as first-team stars Dominic Solanke, Omar Marmoush, Marcos Senesi, and Martin Dúbravka who laid out their tactical progress, how the new-look squad has gelled, and what it takes to dictate tempo against this weekend's fiesty fixture against Everton, known for their physical approach and still unbeaten this season.
The focus now turns firmly to Saturday evening, when Tottenham Hotspur host Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Following a challenging domestic campaign and an active transfer window that brought fresh quality and leadership into the ranks, head coach Roberto De Zerbi has set high standards for work ethic, bravery on the ball, and locker-room culture.
Photo: AIA Singapore
"Brave with the Ball, Relentless Without It": De Zerbi’s Standards
Since taking charge in North London, Roberto De Zerbi has set out to instill his hallmark possession-driven, high-octane build-up play. But the Italian tactician makes it clear that tactical flair counts for little without uncompromising collective discipline.
"To create a team with identity and soul, players must come here every morning with hunger and humility," De Zerbi stated during the media briefing. "Talent is important, but work rate, attitude, and sacrifice for teammates are mandatory. Against an Everton side that tests you in every physical duel, we have to match their intensity and be courageous enough to impose our football."
Photo: AIA Singapore
De Zerbi noted that the tactical transition relies on daily repetition at Hotspur Way, with sports science and squad depth ensuring everyone remains primed to execute when called upon.
Meeting the Everton Test Head-On
Facing Everton in the Premier League brings a well-defined set of tactical and physical demands: contested second balls, heavy set-piece pressure, and aggressive defensive blocks.
Center-forward Dominic Solanke knows Spurs must stay sharp in possession and decisive in front of goal.
"Everton always bring a physical and robust challenge," Solanke noted. "Our focus during training has been about dictating the tempo, moving the ball sharply to unbalance their structure, and finishing our opportunities cleanly. If we control the pace of the game, we keep the advantage in our hands."
Photo: AIA Singapore
Forward Omar Marmoush pointed to the squad's cohesion and positive energy leading up to matchday:
"The energy in the squad has been top-class," Marmoush explained. "Everyone has integrated quickly, pushing each other in every drill. We know the challenge Everton poses, but we have full belief in what the manager is preparing us to do."
In defense, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dúbravka highlighted the concentration required to neutralize counter-attacks and manage physical aerial duels.
"Playing out from the back demands complete focus," Senesi noted. "We are working hard to break pressing lines cleanly while maintaining our defensive balance. When everyone buys into the system, the confidence flows through the whole group."
Tottenham Hotspur take on Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this Saturday, September 12, with kick-off at 5:30 PM BST (Sunday, 12:30 AM SGT).
Key Takeaways: Inside the Spurs Camp Ahead of Everton
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Roberto De Zerbi stresses that attitude and mutual sacrifice are non-negotiable foundations for building tactical identity and competing across domestic competitions.
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Dominic Solanke highlights the squad’s preparation for Everton’s physical duels and the necessity of establishing Tottenham’s attacking rhythm from the opening whistle.
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Omar Marmoush details how quickly the squad has bonded, highlighting the hunger among new arrivals to make an immediate impact within the coach's high-intensity framework.
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Marcos Senesi breaks down the demands of De Zerbi’s build-up phase from the back line, emphasizing bravery under pressure and clean defensive transitions.
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Martin Dúbravka underlines the role of consistency, elite recovery protocols, and winner's mentality in sustaining performance over a grueling domestic season.
Photo: AIA Singapore
The AIA Singapore Experience: First-Hand Immersion
The media session follows an immersive morning training experience at Hotspur Way where delegates took part in elite conditioning and technical drills alongside AIA Singapore leadership.
The London visit, organised by Tottenham Hotspur’s Global Principal Partner AIA Singapore, showcases the parallels between high-performance athletic discipline and personal wellness, with delegates touring Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Dare Skywalk before taking in the matchday atmosphere from the AIA Suite this Saturday.