Roberto De Zerbi was pleased with Tottenham’s 3-0 win over Hoffenheim but admitted his side had to adapt to the visitors’ unusual approach during Saturday’s pre-season meeting.
Almost 55,000 supporters returned to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time this summer and were rewarded with an entertaining contest, with Mikey Moore scoring twice after the break.
Hoffenheim, who finished fifth in the Bundesliga last season, caused Spurs problems before half-time, with Antonin Kinsky forced into action and Adam Hlozek hitting the crossbar.
Tottenham eventually took control after the interval, with four summer arrivals making their home debuts.
Andy Robertson played a key role in the opening goal, delivering a clever cut-back for Richarlison to finish first-time in the 35th minute.
Moore then took over.
The youngster reacted sharply to Mathys Tel’s cross to put Spurs 2-0 ahead in the 59th minute before completing his double late on. Tel was involved again, finding Moore after another driving run before the winger took a touch and finished into the far corner.
De Zerbi used the game as part of a plan to build his players’ fitness, with the squad split across two matches against Hoffenheim over the weekend.
De Zerbi happy with physical test
“It was a good performance and a good day for us because we needed to improve the physical condition,” De Zerbi told SPURSPLAY.
“We decided that every player would play 75 minutes today and tomorrow we’ll use the players who didn’t play.”
The Italian was particularly interested in how Tottenham dealt with Hoffenheim’s movement without the ball.
The German side frequently rotated positions and pushed players into different areas of the pitch, making them difficult to track during the opening 45 minutes.
“We suffered in the first half without the ball because Hoffenheim have a very particular style,” De Zerbi said.
“They rotate a lot and move players around the pitch. In the second half we defended better and, with the ball, I think we played well.
“We built up well and created a lot of chances.”
De Zerbi believes facing an opponent with such an unconventional system was useful preparation for the season ahead.
“When you prepare for a game, you have a reference point for every player and every position,” he explained.
“But when the opponent keeps moving, they can occupy different areas and put a lot of players beyond the ball.
“When you win it back, there can be spaces to attack. We had chances to score in both halves, and in the second half we took them.
“It was a good challenge for us.”
