Tottenham midfielder Conor Gallagher has lifted the lid on Roberto De Zerbi’s early influence at the club, crediting the Italian’s man-management and tactical clarity for helping Spurs climb out of the Premier League relegation zone.
After what has been a chaotic campaign, Tottenham suddenly have momentum.
Back-to-back positive results have shifted the mood in north London, with a crucial away win over Aston Villa moving Spurs out of the bottom three and giving fresh belief in their survival fight.
For Gallagher, the change has been immediate — and much of it comes down to De Zerbi’s approach behind closed doors.
Conor Gallagher praises Roberto De Zerbi’s one-to-one management
Gallagher says De Zerbi’s personal approach has played a major role in rebuilding confidence inside the squad.
Since arriving, the former Brighton and Marseille manager has focused heavily on individual conversations, making sure players understand both their role and their value.
That seems to have landed.
“The gaffer has been brilliant with us. He has brought the team together.” — Conor Gallagher
Gallagher explained that De Zerbi has held one-to-one meetings with multiple players, helping restore belief at a point when confidence had clearly dropped.
From Tottenham’s recent performances, that change in mentality has been visible.
The team looks sharper, more organised and, perhaps most importantly, more connected.
Tottenham’s survival fight showing signs of life
Spurs’ recent run may still be small, but the timing matters.
A draw against Brighton, secured with a dramatic late equaliser, was followed by a huge win away at Aston Villa — exactly the kind of result Tottenham had struggled to produce earlier in the season.
That win, combined with West Ham’s defeat, pulled Tottenham clear of the relegation zone.
Momentum in survival battles can change everything. And De Zerbi seems to have brought exactly that.
With Leeds United next at home, Tottenham have a chance to create real breathing space. However, it remains too early to say the danger has passed.
Conor Gallagher finding his feet at Tottenham
Gallagher’s own journey has mirrored Tottenham’s wider struggles.
The midfielder joined from Atlético Madrid in January but had taken time to settle.
His goal against Aston Villa was his first for Spurs and arguably his strongest overall display since arriving.
The timing feels important.
| Stat (Since January) | Conor Gallagher |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 14 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Starts | 10 |
source: club and match data – 5 May 2026
Those numbers do not fully reflect his work rate, but they show progress.
De Zerbi has reportedly challenged Gallagher to reconnect with his best version — particularly the form he showed during his strongest Chelsea period.
That message appears to be working.
Roberto De Zerbi rebuilding Tottenham belief
Gallagher’s comments offer a useful insight into why De Zerbi has often had fast impacts at clubs.
His tactical work matters, but the emotional side of management appears equally important.
That balance is often underestimated.
Having followed De Zerbi’s previous teams, one of his biggest strengths has been restoring belief in struggling players.
Tottenham seem to be experiencing that now.
Much will depend on the next few fixtures, but the signs are stronger than they were just two weeks ago.
Key insights
- Tottenham have moved out of the relegation zone
- Conor Gallagher credits Roberto De Zerbi’s management style
- Spurs have picked up back-to-back important results
- Gallagher scored his first Tottenham goal against Aston Villa
- Leeds United are next in a crucial survival fixture
What’s next?
Tottenham host Leeds United next in what could become one of the defining games of their season.
A win would create valuable breathing room and strengthen belief that De Zerbi’s methods are taking hold. A defeat, though, would quickly bring pressure back. That is the reality of the relegation fight.
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *