Sandro Tonali believes Roberto De Zerbi suffered more than anyone during Tottenham Hotspur’s poor start to the campaign.

It took Spurs seven games to register their first Premier League victory of the season. Despite spending £380million on new recruits, some had begun to predict whether Tottenham - who finished 17th in consecutive campaigns - could go down.

Three wins on the bounce have allayed those fears as Spurs prepare to face Leeds United in the early kick-off. Tonali - who left Newcastle United for £100million in July - has been integral to Tottenham’s revival.

The travelling Toon Army mocked and jeered the Italian when the Magpies earned a 2-0 away win over Spurs in August. However, he is finding his feet in the capital and has opened up about the recent turnaround.

Sandro Tonali on Spurs form

"The performances (against Coventry City, Chelsea and Crystal Palace) were excellent,” Tonali said. “Everyone loves the coach, who is suffering more than anyone here at Tottenham.

“We know we have a lot to give him because we haven't achieved anything yet. Since last week, we've been much more of a team, we can't stop. We need to stay positive and play our football."

Sandro Tonali farewell to Newcastle United

“Three years ago I came to Newcastle not really knowing what to expect,” Tonali wrote on social media after leaving the club. “Today it's time to say goodbye and it's hard to find the right words.

“I want to start by thanking the club. To the people who work every day and nobody sees at the training ground, everyone who welcomed me and made me feel at home from the very first day. Thank you to the staff and my teammates for believing in me and helping me grow.

“A special mention to the gaffer, Eddie, who's been a real guiding figure and who always had my back throughout this journey. But above all, I want to speak directly to the fans. When things were hard for me, you were there. Not for one day did I feel alone. I felt it every time I was at St James' Park.

“That's something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Together, we achieved something this city had been waiting decades for. At Wembley that day, it was special, a historic moment we got to share together.

“To the fans who never stopped believing, who never stopped cheering for this club, who were there in the hardest times, that trophy was for you. The game brought me to Newcastle.

“Today I leave with my wife and our son, born during my time here. This city gave me more than football. It gave me a home, moments I'll hold onto forever, and people I will always be grateful for. Thank you for everything. Sandro.”