“A Different Group” — De Zerbi Credits Team Dinners For Tottenham Turnaround

De Zerbi reveals secret behind Tottenham revival

Press conference reaction as De Zerbi praises Tottenham belief and Alonso defends players after 2-0 Chelsea vs Tottenham clash at rain-lashed Stamford Bridge.

“They deserved it” says De Zerbi hails Spurs squad after historic Chelsea win

Roberto De Zerbi claimed Tottenham's landmark 2-0 win over London rivals Chelsea is proof of his team's winning mentality as they put their poor start to the season behind them.

Tottenham secured only their second Premier League victory at Stamford Bridge in 36 years - their first since 2018.

Trips across the capital to west London have largely ended in disappointment for Tottenham over the past four decades.

However, De Zerbi's side savoured a memorable afternoon at the Bridge on Saturday, capitalising on a comical own goal from Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders before Mathys Tel sealed the win with a stunning late strike after Blues star Cole Palmer was shown a red card.

“It was a big moment for the fans, the club and the players also. They deserved this win; they prepared very well,” De Zerbi said.

“We are improving a lot; we are improving in the mentality, in the group and the relationships with the players and then we are improving on the pitch.”

Tottenham endured a miserable start to the campaign, going six league games without a win and sparking fears of another relegation scrap after only narrowly avoiding the drop to the Championship on the final day of last season.

With pressure building on De Zerbi, the Italian has worked to unite his squad through team meals and a bonding trip to Marbella.

“A Different Atmosphere”

Victory over promoted Coventry on Monday eased the pressure around the north London club, and beating Chelsea served as further vindication of De Zerbi's focus on team unity.

“Now it is a complete team. When we stay for dinner and stay together in the dressing room, I see a different group, a different relationship and different atmosphere among the players,” he said.

“The character was great today, but we have many, many new players. The players who stayed here last season, two or three seasons ago, they suffered the last results, two times 17th position, we are working to change the last part of the history of the club.”

Tottenham had started to lose the support of their long-suffering fans following another disappointing start to the season.

De Zerbi, however, insisted he never questioned their ability to turn things around.

“I have to believe for sure in this group. I never lost confidence in my players,” he said.

“The week in Marbella, to speak better face to face, to open ourselves and remove the mask, is important.

“It is important for the spirit, the belief. The atmosphere inside the dressing room is maybe more important than the tactics.”

“A complete performance.” 💬 Roberto discusses our 2-0 win at Chelsea on the official Spurs app! 📲 https://t.co/nFPfgdPxPC https://t.co/1DYut3wfnI

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 24, 2026

Setback For Alonso

For Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, it was a painful setback as the optimism built from back-to-back wins over Bournemouth and Everton was wiped out on a rain-soaked evening.

Alonso's expensively assembled side sits fourth in the table but remains very much a work in progress after a third league defeat of his debut season in charge.

“We are all disappointed with the result, with the performance collectively and individually we were not at our best level,” he said.

“It was about the first goal, and it went their way, and with 10 men it was difficult, but we can do better.”

Alonso declined to single out Penders and Palmer for their part in the loss.

“We feel for everyone; it is a team thing, a collective. We have to move on,” he said, adding that he “hadn't seen” Palmer's two bookings.