Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear that the most pressing issue he faces at Tottenham Hotspur is reshaping the squad's collective mindset. After a dismal opening weekend that saw Spurs lose both league fixtures without finding the net, former England defender Jamie Carragher of Sky Sports did not mince words, describing the start as "couldn't have gone any worse." The criticism came in the wake of a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United, a result that left Tottenham rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table despite a summer spending spree that exceeded £320 million.
The match against Newcastle offered a brief glimpse of promise for De Zerbi's side. Spurs appeared to dominate phases of play and looked more fluid than their opponents until Anthony Elanga broke the deadlock midway through the second half.
The breakthrough was quickly followed by a second goal, with Yoane Wissa tapping home from close range after a defensive lapse. The two-goal deficit proved too much for a team still trying to find its rhythm under a new manager.
When asked whether the mental aspect was the biggest hurdle, De Zerbi answered unequivocally: "Yes, you are right. It is the biggest problem, the biggest challenge. The primary objective is to instill the right mentality." He went on to explain that a winning attitude cannot be purchased in the transfer market. "Football is like magic," he said.
"You can bring in a host of new players in a single window and instantly achieve balance, or you may need more time. I want to reach the right mindset as quickly as possible because it is essential for playing good football." De Zerbi also stressed his confidence in the club's long‑term project. He described the ongoing rebuild as a "great plan" and a "great project," expressing no doubt that the eventual outcome will be positive. He believes that the current setbacks are part of a larger transformation that will bear fruit once the pieces fall into place.
The manager's comments were followed by a series of reactions from Sky Sports pundits. Carragher, speaking from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, warned that the club would likely be back in the market for additional signings after such a poor start. "Tottenham's start to the season couldn't have gone any worse," he said, noting that the influx of high‑priced talent, particularly in midfield with players like Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, has yet to translate into cohesive performances. He highlighted a few encouraging signs, such as Jan Paul van Hecke's composure on the ball, but cautioned that these are only early indications.
Carragher argued that the twin defeats will inevitably trigger panic among the hierarchy, prompting another transfer window scramble. "When a team wins a couple of games, you might think, 'maybe we're okay, maybe we can wait until Christmas for the new players to settle.' That certainly won't be the case after two crushing losses," he asserted. Jamie Redknapp, also from Sky Sports, called for patience during the club's rebuilding phase. He likened De Zerbi's task to solving a jigsaw puzzle, where the manager must discover how to fit the new pieces together, decide on the optimal system, and identify the three best midfielders to drive the team forward.
Redknapp acknowledged that teething problems are inevitable and pointed out that senior players, such as Micky van de Ven, did not provide the leadership or goal contributions needed in the opening matches. De Zerbi responded to the criticism with humility and optimism.
He expressed disappointment with the result and apologized to the supporters, acknowledging that two early defeats could tempt some observers to draw parallels with the club's previous two seasons, where Spurs finished 17th. "I am sorry for the fans and the environment," he said. "But I cannot let two defeats define my opinion.
I have huge confidence in the qualities of my players. When we become a cohesive unit, improve the link‑up between them, raise the standard of our play, and tighten our defensive shape, the results will follow." He also recognized that the squad may not yet be ready for the rigors of Premier League competition, citing "many, many reasons" for the current struggles.
Nevertheless, he remains convinced that the foundation being laid will eventually produce a strong, competitive side. The broader context of Tottenham's situation underscores the challenges of assembling a new team under a manager with a distinct tactical vision.
The club's substantial financial outlay this summer reflects a desire to compete at the highest level, yet the integration of new signings—ranging from midfield maestros to defensive reinforcements—requires time, patience, and a shared belief system. In summary, Roberto De Zerbi identifies the transformation of the team's mentality as the paramount task ahead, acknowledging that this intangible quality cannot be bought but must be cultivated through daily work, clear communication, and consistent performances.
While pundits like Carragher and Redknapp urge caution and hint at further transfer activity, De Zerbi remains steadfast in his belief that the ongoing project will ultimately succeed, provided the players adopt the right mindset and the club gives them the space to grow together.