De Zerbi Explains Midfield Fitness Issues Behind Surprise Tactical Switch in Spurs’ Win Over Coventry

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has explained that injuries and fitness concerns in midfield influenced his decision to deploy a back three during the 3-1 Premier League victory over Coventry City on Monday. James Maddison, Omar Marmoush and Ben Davies scored as Spurs secured their first league win of the season, giving the Italian manager an encouraging result after a difficult opening run.

De Zerbi Reveals Why Tottenham Changed Formation

Roberto De Zerbi has revealed that a shortage of fully available midfielders was the main reason Tottenham Hotspur adopted a back-three system against Coventry City.

Spurs secured a 3-1 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday, 19 October, with De Zerbi explaining afterwards that his tactical decision was shaped by concerns over several players’ fitness and preparation.

“We played three at the back because of injured players in the midfield positions,” the Tottenham manager explained in his post-match press conference.

The change was designed to give his side greater control while limiting Coventry’s opportunities to counter-attack. De Zerbi said he believed the formation was the best solution available given the players at his disposal.

Gallagher, Bergvall and Fernandes Influence the Decision

De Zerbi identified Conor Gallagher, Lucas Bergvall and Mateus Fernandes as important factors behind the change.

Gallagher had only returned to training two days before the match, after the medical staff had initially expressed concern that he might not be available. Bergvall was injured, while Fernandes had trained for only two days during Tottenham’s Marbella training camp because of the birth of his son.

Those circumstances left De Zerbi with fewer midfield options than he would have preferred. Rather than persist with his usual structure, he opted for a system that allowed Tottenham to adjust the responsibilities of players operating behind the forwards.

The decision illustrated how team selection and tactical planning can be influenced by circumstances beyond a manager’s preferred style. De Zerbi had to balance the need for midfield control with the importance of preventing Coventry from exploiting spaces on the break.

Tactical Plan Aims to Restrict Coventry’s Counter-Attacks

Coventry’s approach was another important consideration. De Zerbi described counter-attacking as a major feature of their game and wanted Tottenham to reduce the opportunities available to the visitors.

He said the back-three arrangement helped Spurs defend against transitions and maintain greater control. The manager was particularly pleased that Tottenham prevented Coventry from launching the counter-attacks he had anticipated.

However, De Zerbi acknowledged that his side did not create as many chances as he would have liked. Coventry defended compactly, making it difficult for Tottenham to move the ball quickly and find openings in the first half.

The tactical adjustment was therefore not presented as a complete attacking solution. Instead, it was a calculated response to the opponent’s style and Tottenham’s limited midfield availability.

Maddison Opens the Scoring on His Return to the Starting XI

James Maddison gave Tottenham an early lead in the 14th minute, marking his first competitive start for the club since May 2025 with an impressive finish against his former club.

His return offered Spurs a valuable creative presence in the attacking areas, helping the team connect its midfield and forward lines. Maddison’s goal also provided a welcome lift for a side that had entered the match without a Premier League victory that season.

Coventry responded shortly after half-time. Jack Rudoni equalised in the 49th minute, taking advantage of an opportunity inside the penalty area and briefly threatening to prolong Tottenham’s difficult run.

The visitors’ goal exposed the need for greater defensive concentration, but Spurs responded positively rather than allowing the setback to undermine their performance.

Marmoush and Davies Secure Tottenham’s First League Win

Omar Marmoush restored Tottenham’s lead in the 58th minute with a well-taken strike, putting De Zerbi’s side back in front after Coventry’s equaliser.

The goal proved crucial in a contest in which Tottenham had struggled to find consistent attacking fluency. Spurs continued to work to protect their advantage as Coventry looked for another response.

Ben Davies then sealed the result in the sixth minute of stoppage time, making it 3-1 and ensuring Tottenham could celebrate their first Premier League victory of the campaign.

The result lifted Spurs out of the relegation zone and into 16th place. Dejan Kulusevski also returned to action late in the match after a lengthy injury absence, providing another encouraging development for the club.

De Zerbi Looks to Build on a Much-Needed Result

Despite the victory, De Zerbi was careful not to suggest Tottenham had delivered a perfect performance. He acknowledged that the team had played better in some previous matches without getting the results its performances deserved.

He also stressed the importance of confidence, togetherness and responsibility as Spurs attempt to improve their season. The win over Coventry gave the squad a tangible reward for its efforts, but the manager made clear that further improvement would be necessary.

Tottenham now face a demanding away fixture against Chelsea on Saturday, 24 October. The condition of the squad and the availability of midfield options could influence De Zerbi’s next selection, although the Coventry result does not guarantee that he will retain the same formation.

For now, the manager’s explanation makes clear that the tactical switch was driven primarily by fitness concerns and the need to contain Coventry’s counter-attacks. Tottenham’s victory provided a timely boost, but sustaining that progress will depend on turning the improved result into a more consistent run of performances.