Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear that the most pressing obstacle he faces at Tottenham Hotspur is reshaping the squad’s mindset. After a disappointing 0‑2 defeat to Newcastle, former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher, who was commentating for Sky Sports, declared that Spurs’ start to the campaign "couldn't have gone any worse." The criticism comes as Tottenham sit at the very bottom of the Premier League table after two opening fixtures, having failed to find the net in either match despite splashing a reported £320 million on new signings over the summer.
The Newcastle game illustrated the gulf between potential and performance. Tottenham appeared to be playing better than their opponents for much of the first half, but the breakthrough came midway through the second period when Anthony Elanga struck the opening goal. Spurs were unable to muster a response, and Yoane Wissa doubled Newcastle’s lead with a close‑range finish. The loss left the Spurs faithful frustrated and raised questions about whether the influx of high‑profile players could translate into immediate results.
When asked if the team’s mentality was the biggest challenge, De Zerbi answered without hesitation: "Yes, you are right. It is the biggest problem, the biggest challenge, the biggest target – to find the right mentality." He went on to explain that a winning attitude cannot simply be purchased in the transfer market. "Football is like magic," he said. "You can change many players in one window, you can find balance immediately, or you may need more time.
I would like to achieve this target quickly, as soon as possible, because it is crucial to play football." De Zerbi also emphasized his belief in the long‑term project at the club. He described the rebuilding plan, which involves integrating a host of new arrivals, as "a great plan, a great project," and expressed confidence that the results will eventually reflect the ambition behind it. He reiterated his disappointment with the opening loss, apologising to supporters and acknowledging that two defeats could tempt some observers to draw parallels with the club’s recent history of finishing 17th in consecutive seasons. "I have no doubt it is not the same story," he insisted, adding that two games are insufficient to form a definitive judgment.
The manager praised the quality of his players, stating, "I have big, big confidence in the qualities of my squad. When we become a team, when the connection between the players improves, when the quality of play rises, when we tighten defensive spaces – this group, with me or another coach, will succeed because they are talented individuals." Yet he also admitted that the current roster may not yet be ready to deliver results, citing "many, many reasons" for the early setbacks. Carragher, speaking from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, predicted that the club would likely turn to the market again.
He noted the significant investment already made, highlighting midfield signings such as Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, and suggested that further acquisitions could be on the horizon. "We saw signs today in terms of Jan Paul Van Hecke on the ball, but it won't be finished. I think there will be more to come," Carragher said. He warned that panic could set in among fans and the board, leading to additional spending.
"If you win both games, you might think, ‘maybe we’re OK, maybe we give those players until Christmas.’ That certainly won’t be the case after two really bad defeats." Former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp offered a more measured perspective on Sky Sports' Saturday Night Football. He urged patience, acknowledging that the influx of new players creates a "jigsaw puzzle" for the manager to solve.
Redknapp pointed out that determining the optimal system and identifying the best three midfielders will take time, and he expected "teething problems" as the squad gels. He also criticised senior players, mentioning that centre‑back Micky Van de Ven did not provide sufficient leadership on the day, and suggested that long‑serving squad members could have performed better. In summary, Tottenham’s early season woes have sparked a chorus of analysis from pundits and the manager alike. De Zerbi sees the mental transformation of his squad as the pivotal factor, a task he believes cannot be bought but must be cultivated through cohesion, confidence, and consistent performance.
While the club’s substantial summer spending underscores its ambition, both Carragher and Redknapp caution that immediate results are unlikely and that further recruitment may be necessary to fill gaps and reinforce the team’s structure. The coming weeks will be crucial for De Zerbi as he works to align the talent at his disposal with the winning mentality required to lift Tottenham out of the relegation zone and restore the club’s stature in English football.