Jan Paul van Hecke has revealed just how close the bond is between Roberto De Zerbi and the Tottenham players following their run of two consecutive wins.

There is no denying that the feel-good factor is back at N17 following Spurs’ historic 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

That victory marked Tottenham’s second win of the new campaign and lifted the Lilywhites out of the bottom three into 14th place, just four points behind fifth – a position that secured Champions League qualification last season.

It was also Tottenham’s first win at Chelsea’s ground since 2018 and only their second in over three decades. Belief in Roberto De Zerbi and his project is clearly gathering momentum, with his players firmly behind him.

Jan Paul van Hecke explains Tottenham’s bond with Roberto De Zerbi

Speaking to football.london, centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke – who previously worked with De Zerbi at Brighton and is often dubbed the Italian’s “son” – revealed how the manager has won over the Tottenham squad.

He said: “Yeah, I think he’s loved. I love him as well. He’s a top manager and everyone’s really happy here.

“I know his ideas and how he wants to play. I know what he wants from me. We get better and better because it needs time, you know, but [the game at Stamford Bridge] was great.”

The players’ affection was evident after the match, with Pedro Porro cheekily planting a sloppy kiss on the back of De Zerbi’s neck as the head coach was giving a club interview before boarding the team coach home.

Spurs players and fans buzzing after Chelsea win

Spurs’ victory was a huge statement and has left supporters buzzing, with Tottenham’s away following hailed as one of the best in the league this season.

Van Hecke opened up on how the players are feeling and the role the fans played in spurring them on. He said: “Everyone is buzzing. Massive result, I think fully deserved. We played some really, really good football. We worked really hard, I’m really happy. It’s such a good feeling and the fans were loud and proud. You feel this on the pitch and you give even more.”

Tottenham also achieved something remarkable – keeping Chelsea’s lethal attack quiet with Alonso’s men failing to score a goal for the first time this season.

The Blues boast the third-best offensive record in the division, but Spurs held firm to secure their third clean sheet of the campaign.

That ultimately helped Spurs end their long wait for a win at the Bridge, and Van Hecke knows just how important the victory is. He said: “It’s massive. We knew before the game that we hadn’t won here for a long time and this gives a lot of confidence.

“In football, there are always good records and bad records. We knew [about the Chelsea hoodoo] because you see it everywhere, that gives you extra motivation. For the fans, of course, it’s a great day and for us as well. So enjoy today and tomorrow and then we need to keep going.”