Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto de Zerbi has said that any of his players who are not happy at the club or not proud to stay here should leave. The Italian, who helped save Spurs from Premier League relegation last season after taking over at the end of March, insisted that has been his stance from the beginning of his tenure in north London. De Zerbis comments come amid growing speculation over the future of midfielder Lucas Bergvall, with the club rejecting a �38m bid from Nottingham Forest for the Sweden international as well as a reported �46m offer from Newcastle United. Before his sides pre-season friendly against Auckland FC in New Zealand on Sunday, De Zerbi reinforced his belief about players who arent motivated to represent the club. I was very clear at the start of my time in Tottenham. I said, who doesnt want to stay in Tottenham? Who is not happy, is not proud to stay here, has to leave, De Zerbi said. I want the players to be proud and happy to stay here, to go on the pitch in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with big motivation. Because now in football, if you think also in the World Cup, the motivation makes the difference.The motivation is to be happy to stay in one team.Growing uncertaintyUncertainty has grown concerning Bergvalls future following the summer arrivals of midfielders Sandro Tonali a �100m signing from Newcastle and Mateus Fernandes from West Ham in a deal worth �85m. De Zerbi admitted he had not yet talked with 20-year-old Bergvall, but insisted the situation would be cleared up over the next few days. I have not spoken with Lucas yet, De Zerbi said. I will in the next days and we will make the best decision for the club, for Lucas, for me, for every one of us, without problems. Lucas is a big, big talent.There will be a big competition to play because at the end, I think we will be two players for each position.If he wants to stay, I will be happy. Otherwise, we have to find a new solution with [sporting director] Johan Lange, with [chief executive] Vinai [Venkatesham]. Its not my business after the decision to leave. Topics Lucas Bergvall Roberto De Zerbi Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Auckland FC v Tottenham: Expected line-ups, stats and where to watch as De Zerbis men start tour of Australasia Jon Fisher 24th July, 2026 Manchester United, Celtic and Liverpool in action this weekend where to watch the pre-season friendlies Jon Fisher 24th July, 2026 2026 Transfer window: What are the five biggest deals of the summer? Mitch Fretton 24th July, 2026 Tottenham 1-0 MK Dons: Fernandes marks Spurs bow with stunning volley Nicholas McGee 22nd July, 2026 Middlesbrough sign Spurs striker Lankshear in �20m deal Nicholas McGee 22nd July, 2026 Premier League: The ONE player your club should sign this summer Jon Fisher 21st July, 2026
