Roberto De Zerbi keeps Tottenham focused as Australia pre-season tour continues

The Spurs head coach is experiencing Australia for the first time after also making his first visit to New Zealand, where Tottenham opened the tour with a victory over A-League champions Auckland FC at Eden Park on Sunday.

Tottenham now face Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on Wednesday before taking on Chelsea at Accor Stadium on Saturday as they continue building fitness and momentum ahead of their Premier League opener against Brentford on 22 August.

Speaking in Sydney, De Zerbi admitted he had been impressed by the city but stressed football remains the priority.

"Itâ™s my first time in Australia," he said. "My first impression is Sydney is an amazing city, very nice, but first of all we have not too much time to go to visit. We have to work, we have to stay focused on the job."

The Italian manager said the tour has several important objectives beyond simply winning matches.

"We are looking to improve our physical condition, improve our level of play, improve the connection between the players and the relationship with the players in these days in New Zealand and Australia," he said.

De Zerbi also welcomed the opportunity to play in front of Tottenham supporters on the other side of the world.

"Itâ™s important we go to play in front of our fans, because Tottenham have fans everywhere in the world," he said.

With the new Premier League season fast approaching, De Zerbi said his biggest aim is to mould a united squad capable of competing at the highest level.

"To build a new team with the qualities, for sure, with big players, for sure, but with soul, with passion, with all the values we have," he said.

"Football now is not just on the pitch, it's not just with the ball, it's before, it's in life. It's how many hours during the day you think about your job."

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