Roberto De Zerbi once left a former player's wife speechless following an hour-long phone call. Newly appointed Tottenham boss De Zerbi has already enjoyed a successful spell in the Premier League, having taken charge of Brighton between September 2022 and May 2024.

During that period, goalkeeper Jason Steele featured in more matches under the Italian than he had under any other head coach before or since. Steele became De Zerbi's first-choice shot-stopper initially on the south coast before sharing the position with Bart Verbruggen. The duo's bond, however, extended well beyond the football pitch, as demonstrated by a touching gesture De Zerbi made last year after he had already departed to take the reins at Marseille. Steele, 35, underwent shoulder surgery in January 2025.

He recounted how his former manager, despite having no obligation to do so, carved out time from his hectic Ligue 1 schedule to check in on him with an hour-long FaceTime call. De Zerbi's thoughtful gesture left Steele genuinely moved by his warmth, with the act speaking volumes about his character.

The Seagulls goalkeeper told talkSPORT: "As a human being, he is one of the more special ones I've ever come across. I came out of surgery and he was playing a day later with Marseille.

"He FaceTimed me for an hour on the Friday night. I think that speaks volumes about him as a person, as a human being. My wife sat next to me on the couch and said, 'I can't believe that just happened, is that normal?' I actually don't think it is normal."

De Zerbi's contract at Brighton was terminated at the end of the 2023/24 season. This came following disputes with the club's hierarchy over their approach to recruitment.

He said on his departure: "I am very sad to be leaving Brighton but I am very proud of what my players and staff have achieved with the support of everyone at the club and our amazing fans in the past two historical seasons."

Notwithstanding his abrupt departures from Brighton and Marseille earlier this year, Steele's account indicates De Zerbi possesses exceptional man-management abilities. That will prove vital as the 46-year-old takes the reins at Tottenham this week.

Spurs currently find themselves just a single point above the relegation zone with seven Premier League fixtures remaining. De Zerbi will be hoping to accomplish what neither Thomas Frank nor Igor Tudor could by galvanising the squad, extracting the best from his players and securing the Lilywhites' top-flight survival.