Roberto De Zerbi has revealed he sent a foul-mouthed text message to summer signing Jan Paul van Hecke, telling the defender he had no choice but to join Tottenham after helping Brighton nearly relegate them.
Foul-mouthed message after Everton game
In April, Van Hecke assisted Georginio Rutter's 95th-minute equaliser for Brighton against Spurs, a result that sparked fears of relegation for the north London club. De Zerbi's side ultimately survived, and now the Italian has brought Van Hecke to Tottenham for £52 million.
Speaking about the transfer, De Zerbi said: "With JP [Van Hecke], after the Everton game, I sent the message 'F*** off, you wanted to send down Tottenham for Brighton when you made the assist to Georginio Rutter, now you have to come to me, yes or yes, you have no choice!'"
De Zerbi's transfer approach
De Zerbi has been personally involved in Tottenham's transfer business, having spent £237 million this window and aiming to add two or three more players, including forwards. He describes himself as a "shark" when pursuing targets.
"I don't know why I love it, maybe because when you make a decision, you take the responsibility, but I think if the coach calls the player, you can build a special connection at the beginning with them," said the 47-year-old. "The player knows you are the key for this transfer, and maybe this player feels they have to give you back something more than if, for example, Johan Lange calls the player."
Close collaboration with the board
De Zerbi has worked closely with CEO Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange since mid-March on transfers. He said: "We are working very well, it's my best connection with the board. Also in the players we sold, because for [Luka] Vuskovic it was together."
He added: "The request of Vuskovic, we spoke with Vinai, with Johan together, because I consider my job? No, I consider Tottenham, or my club, the money of my club, I consider my money. It's like the owner is my father. You don't want to spend money, to ask your father to spend money or to lose money. And if we bring a player, if we sell a player, it's one family."
