Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Paul van Hecke has revealed why Pedro Porro gave Roberto De Zerbi a cheeky kiss on the back of his neck following Spurs’ impressive 2-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The incident happened as the Tottenham players headed towards their team coach after the match, with Porro appearing delighted as he showed his affection for the Italian manager during a club interview.
According to Van Hecke, De Zerbi has already become a much-loved figure in the Tottenham dressing room, with the players responding positively to his ideas and methods.
The Dutch defender, who previously worked with De Zerbi at Brighton, expressed his admiration for the 47-year-old coach.
“Yeah, I think he’s loved. I love him as well. He’s a top manager and everyone’s really happy here,” Van Hecke said.
He also explained that Tottenham are gradually improving as they adapt to De Zerbi’s style of football, adding that the process requires time.
Spurs’ victory over Chelsea was another major step forward under their new manager. Tottenham controlled much of the contest, enjoying 68.5% possession, completing 639 passes and creating more shooting opportunities than their opponents.
An own goal from Mike Penders and a brilliant late solo effort from Mathys Tel secured all three points, while Chelsea’s Cole Palmer was sent off.
Van Hecke played a key role in forcing the opening goal from a Mateus Fernandes corner and described the result as fully deserved.
“Everyone is buzzing. Massive result, I think fully deserved. We played some really, really good football. We worked really hard, I’m really happy,” he explained.
The defender also praised the travelling Tottenham supporters for their incredible backing throughout the game.
The victory was particularly significant because Spurs had won just once in their previous 41 visits to Stamford Bridge before this match. It was also their first clean sheet at Chelsea’s ground since 1986.
Van Hecke and fellow defender Micky van de Ven helped keep Chelsea’s attacking players quiet, recording another clean sheet for Tottenham.
The Dutchman believes ending the club’s long-standing Stamford Bridge struggles will give the team a major confidence boost as they look to build momentum under De Zerbi.
With the players seemingly growing closer to their manager and performances improving, Tottenham will now hope to carry this confidence into their upcoming fixtures.
Could De Zerbi be the manager who finally takes Tottenham to the next level? 👀🔥
