Mathys Tel says Tottenham Hotspur have found a new energy under manager Roberto De Zerbi as they prepare for the 2026-27 Premier League season.
Spurs strengthened their pre-season momentum with a 3-0 victory over Hoffenheim at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, offering further evidence of a different atmosphere around the club after a difficult campaign last term.
Richarlison gave Tottenham the lead after 35 minutes, before Mikey Moore settled the match with two goals in the second half. Tel played a decisive role in the win, providing the assist for both of Moore’s goals.
The French forward was also Tottenham’s most creative player, creating three chances during the match. He completed three dribbles, a total matched by Moore.
The result marked another positive step for a side that finished 17th in the Premier League last season. Tottenham avoided relegation only after beating Everton 1-0 on the final day of the campaign.
Tel believes the mood within the squad has changed since De Zerbi took charge, with the players now feeling a greater sense of unity both during matches and away from the pitch.
“I would say the energy has been the big difference. Last year we missed this energy, and now we can feel it on the pitch,” Tel told SpursPlay.
“The manager is behind us, always with us. We can see on the pitch, off the pitch, we are together.
“I’m very happy, and I’m excited about the new season.”
Saturday’s match was Tottenham’s first since the club officially confirmed Cristian Romero’s move to Atletico Madrid. In his absence, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke started together at centre-back.
There have been further changes to the squad during the summer. Djed Spence has announced his departure from Spurs to join Serie A champions Inter, while Ashley Phillips has moved to Middlesbrough for a reported £20m.
Middlesbrough began their Championship campaign with a 2-1 victory against Lincoln on Saturday. Their goals were both scored by Will Lankshear, who joined the club permanently from Tottenham this summer.
Tottenham will hope the combination of a new manager, a reshaped squad and the improved spirit described by Tel can help them recover from last season’s relegation battle. The win over Hoffenheim gave De Zerbi’s team another opportunity to build confidence before the competitive campaign begins.
