Roberto De Zerbi Imposes Phone Ban During Tottenham Marbella Training Camp

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has lifted the lid on a strict disciplinary measure implemented during the club’s recent warm-weather training camp in Marbella, confirming that phones were completely banned from all team meals in an effort to mend fractured team spirit.

Despite investing more than £380 million on 10 new signings during the summer transfer window, Spurs find themselves languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table ahead of Monday’s home fixture against Coventry. In response to the slow start and a clear disconnect within the squad, the Italian manager took decisive action away from the training ground.

Inside the Marbella Training Camp

The decision to strip away mobile devices during breakfast, lunch, and dinner was coordinated directly with senior club figures, including Vinai Venkatesham, technical director Johan Lange, and the club ownership. De Zerbi emphasized that the move was designed to force interaction among a heavily revamped squad that missed out on a traditional pre-season bonding period.

“We worked on the pitch, we stayed together – we removed phones from breakfast, lunch and dinner to stay together because now it is like (phone) all the time.”
— Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham Hotspur Manager

Alongside the digital detox, the camp featured intensive tactical sessions and isolated group dinners. De Zerbi clarified that while strict protocols governed team meals, the players retained their autonomy outside of structured hours, enjoying complete freedom during their downtime without descending into militaristic oversight.

Key Pillars of the Marbella Intervention

Digital Detox

Mobile phones completely barred from breakfast, lunch, and dinner to maximize player interaction.

Tactical Alignment

Two to three major strategic meetings addressing squad performance and personal responsibility.

Player Autonomy

Freedom of movement granted during off-hours, avoiding restrictive military-style controls.

Injury Updates: Maddison and Kulusevski Boost Squad Options

As Tottenham prepare to face Coventry on Monday night, De Zerbi received vital boosts regarding squad depth. Fit-again Dejan Kulusevski traveled to Spain and participated fully in the Marbella camp, while playmaker James Maddison inches closer to a full return. Maddison has been carefully managed following severe anterior cruciate ligament damage sustained in 2025 and is yet to start a competitive fixture this term, though he is now fully available for selection.

“I am very close with Xavi Simons for example in this moment. I follow him step by step in his journey as an injured player. Like Maddison, because the management of Maddison is totally different. He is another special player and now is available to play.”
— Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham Hotspur Manager

De Zerbi maintains that experiencing adversity can forge stronger bonds within the group. With ten summer arrivals still adapting to the rigorous demands of the Premier League, the combination of off-pitch discipline in Marbella and returning star quality on the pitch forms the cornerstone of Tottenham’s survival and recovery strategy.