There is always noise when a big club starts slowly, and that pressure tends to arrive quickly in north London. Fernandes appears keen to push back against that mood. His line is that Spurs have too much quality to drift into self-doubt after only the opening steps of a long campaign.
That matters. Early-season interviews often sound cautious, but Fernandes has reportedly leaned into the bigger target. For a club still trying to turn promise into silverware, that kind of message can either look bold or risky. Inside the dressing room, though, it may be exactly what is needed.
Fernandes has also highlighted the passion of Roberto De Zerbi, and that feels significant. De Zerbi’s teams are usually defined by conviction: bravery on the ball, intensity without it, and a demand that players keep believing in the plan even when results wobble.
At Tottenham, that approach may take time to settle fully. New ideas often do. But the appeal is obvious. Supporters want a side with personality, and De Zerbi rarely coaches in half-measures. If Fernandes is already talking up the manager’s influence, it suggests the message is landing.
That is why Everton now feel like more than just the next opponent. This is a chance for Spurs to show whether the ambition Fernandes has outlined is matched by authority on the pitch.
A clean, assertive display would calm the early chatter instantly. Anything less, and the questions around finishing, rhythm and adaptation will only grow louder. Either way, Saturday offers the first proper glimpse of whether De Zerbi’s Tottenham are merely a work in progress - or a team ready to chase something bigger.