‘He taught me almost everything’ – Tottenham have just hired their very own ‘maestro’

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Roberto De Zerbi is already drawing praise from those who have worked under him, with one former player, Artem Bondarenko, offering insight into what Tottenham supporters can expect.

For Tottenham Hotspur, attention now turns back to the Premier League following a three-week break, after a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in a crucial relegation six-pointer.

However, up next is a trip to the Stadium of Light, where Spurs will take on newly promoted Sunderland in what will be Roberto De Zerbi’s first game as Tottenham manager.

Spurs will be hoping De Zerbi can secure victory on his debut as they look to boost their chances of Premier League survival, with just seven games remaining.

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi backed by Artem Bondarenko

The new Tottenham manager has already started work with his group of players ahead of the Sunderland clash, and it is understood that many Spurs stars have enjoyed training under De Zerbi.

The Italian’s focus is to get his message and principles across, as his side has limited time to turn their league fortunes around.

De Zerbi is, of course, no stranger to management, having taken charge of several clubs across Europe, including Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Italian made a strong impression during his time in Ukraine, and now Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Artem Bondarenko has opened up on working under him, while backing him to succeed at Tottenham.

Speaking to Flashscore about De Zerbi’s influence early in his career, Bondarenko said: “He was a maestro for me. I had just arrived in the first team and, I must admit, if he did not teach me everything, he taught me almost everything! I am convinced that even now that he is at Tottenham, he will do very well, for me, he is one of the best coaches in the world.”

Spurs set to benefit from Roberto De Zerbi’s methods

De Zerbi did not stay long in Ukraine and had to depart after 30 matches with Shakhtar due to matters off the pitch.

However, in that short spell with the Ukrainian side, he managed to win 20 of his 30 matches, drawing five and losing five.

That period was also enough time for De Zerbi to teach Bondarenko elements that have since improved the left-sided midfielder’s game.

Speaking again to Flashscore, Bondarenko explained how De Zerbi helped develop his technical ability and overall approach in training.

He said, when asked about what he learned from his former boss: “(Laughs) In many things, he showed me, first and foremost, how to hit the ball with my left foot and, every time, he made me learn something new. I was dazzled by his methods, not only by the way he approached me. He was wonderful. He taught me so much.”

In training with Tottenham thus far, De Zerbi has been seen focusing on individuals, passing on instructions as he aims to improve their abilities.

The hope now is that their efforts will translate into results when they face Sunderland, as Spurs look to climb the Premier League table.