Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear that the most pressing issue facing Tottenham Hotspur this season is a shift in the team's mindset. After a dismal opening weekend that saw the club lose both of its Premier League fixtures without finding the net, former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher of Sky Sports did not mince words, describing the start as "the worst possible" and suggesting that Spurs may be forced back into the transfer market.
Tottenham entered the campaign with a record £320 million spend on new signings, yet they find themselves anchored at the foot of the table after defeats to Newcastle United and a second unnamed opponent. In the Newcastle game, Spurs appeared to be in control for large periods, but a second‑half strike from Anthony Elanga broke the deadlock, and a quick response from Yoane Wissa doubled the visitors' lead. The loss left the fans and the coaching staff frustrated, and the blame was quickly directed not at individual performances but at the collective attitude on the pitch. When asked whether the mentality was the primary obstacle, De Zerbi answered unequivocally: "Yes, that's exactly it.
The biggest problem, the biggest challenge, the biggest target we have is to find the right mentality." He went on to explain that a winning mindset cannot simply be purchased in the transfer window. "Football is like magic," he said, "you can bring in a lot of players in one window and you might see an instant balance, or you might need more time.
I want to achieve this as quickly as possible because it is essential for playing good football." De Zerbi also emphasized his confidence in the long‑term project at Tottenham. He praised the club's strategic plan to rebuild the squad with fresh talent, calling it a "great plan" and expressing no doubt that the results will eventually reflect the quality of the project. He added that the early setbacks should not be taken as a sign that the club is repeating the pattern of the previous two seasons, when Spurs finished 17th on both occasions.
The manager expressed remorse for the disappointment felt by supporters, saying, "I'm sorry for the fans and the atmosphere. After two defeats, some might think we are living the same story as the last two years, but I am convinced that is not the case. Two losses do not define our season." He reiterated his belief in the abilities of his players, noting that when the group starts to gel, improves its connections, raises its technical level, and tightens its defensive shape, the quality will become evident regardless of who is on the bench. De Zerbi admitted that the squad is still in a transitional phase, and that the club may not yet be ready to compete at the highest level.
"The club is building a great squad, but perhaps we are not ready yet for many reasons," he said, hinting at the need for further integration and possibly additional signings. Carragher, who was providing co‑commentary from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, warned that the poor start could trigger another round of transfer activity. "Tottenham's start to the season couldn't have gone any worse," he said. "It will take time.
A lot of new players have arrived, they've paid top dollar, especially in midfield with the likes of Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali. We saw flashes of promise from Jan Paul Van Hecke, but the work is far from finished." He predicted that the club would likely enter the market again, not just because of the two defeats but also due to the urgency created by early setbacks.
"If you had won both games, you might be more patient and give the players until Christmas," Carragher explained. "Two heavy losses make you more decisive about making moves." Former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp offered a more measured perspective on Sky Sports' Saturday Night Football, urging supporters to be patient. "There are a lot of new faces at Spurs and it will take time for them to settle," he said. "The manager is working on a jigsaw puzzle, trying to fit the pieces together, decide on the system, and identify the best three midfielders." Redknapp also highlighted the responsibility of senior players, pointing out that Micky Van de Ven and other experienced squad members did not step up sufficiently in the defeat.
"Veteran players can do better and should lead by example," he added. In summary, Tottenham's early season woes have sparked a debate about the importance of mental resilience versus the need for further player acquisitions. While De Zerbi remains optimistic about the long‑term vision and the potential of his current roster, both Carragher and Redknapp suggest that the club may need to act quickly in the transfer market to address immediate concerns.
The coming weeks will be crucial for the new manager as he attempts to forge a cohesive unit, instill a winning mentality, and turn around a campaign that has started on a decidedly sour note.