Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear that the most pressing obstacle he faces at Tottenham Hotspur is reshaping the collective mindset of the squad. The urgency of this task was underscored by former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who, speaking on Sky Sports, described Tottenham's opening two‑game run as "the worst possible start" after a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United.
Tottenham have now slipped to the very bottom of the Premier League table, having failed to find the net in either of their first two fixtures despite splashing a staggering £320 million on new signings during the summer transfer window. The opening match against Newcastle saw Spurs appear competitive for much of the game, but a second‑half strike from Anthony Elanga broke the deadlock. Tottenham were unable to respond, and a quick follow‑up from Yoane Wissa doubled Newcastle's lead, sealing a disappointing loss.
When asked whether the team's mentality was the primary concern, De Zerbi answered without hesitation: "Yes, that's exactly it. The mindset is the biggest problem, the biggest challenge, and the top priority for me right now. Unfortunately, you can't simply purchase a mentality in the transfer market.
Football is a bit like magic – you can bring in a host of new players in one window, and sometimes the balance clicks instantly, but other times it takes much longer. I want to achieve the right attitude as quickly as possible because it is essential for playing good football." He went on to praise the club's broader project, noting that the plan to rebuild a fresh team with a mix of experienced and young talent is sound and that he has confidence in its eventual success.
De Zerbi emphasized that the current setbacks do not define the season: "I'm disappointed with the result and I apologise to the fans and the atmosphere at the stadium. After two defeats, some may think this is the same story as the previous two seasons, but I have no doubt that it is not.
Two games cannot change my overall opinion." The manager expressed unwavering belief in his players' abilities, saying that once the squad gels, improves its connections on the pitch, refines its defensive shape, and raises the quality of its play, the results will follow. "When we become a true team, when the link‑up between players improves, when we tighten our defensive spaces, the outcome will be different. Whether I stay or another coach takes over, the talent is there – they are good players," he asserted. De Zerbi also acknowledged that the club is still in the building phase: "I'm sorry for the club because we are constructing a great squad, but perhaps we are not ready yet for many reasons." This candid admission highlighted the reality that a large influx of new signings requires time for integration, tactical understanding, and cultural adaptation.
Sky Sports' pundit Jamie Carragher, providing co‑commentary from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, predicted that the club would likely enter the market again after such a poor start. He said, "Tottenham's start to the season couldn't have gone any worse. It will take time. A lot of new players have arrived, and they have paid top dollar for quality, especially in midfield with the likes of Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.
We saw glimpses of potential from Jan Paul van Hecke, but the work is far from finished." Carragher warned that panic could set in among fans and the board, prompting another round of signings: "It's natural that people will panic a little and Tottenham will go back into the market. Not just because they've lost twice, but because those defeats make you more decisive. If they had won a couple of games, you might think, 'maybe we're okay, maybe we give these players until Christmas.' That certainly won't be the case after two heavy defeats." Former England international Jamie Redknapp offered a more measured perspective on Saturday Night Football, urging patience.
He noted, "There are a lot of new players at Spurs and it will take time. The manager has a jigsaw puzzle to solve – figuring out how to fit the pieces together, which system works best, and who the top three midfielders are.
There will be teething problems." Redknapp also pointed to the responsibility of senior squad members, mentioning that centre‑back Micky van de Ven, for example, did not do enough to lead the team on the day, especially when it came to preventing goals. "Players who have been at the club for a long time can do better," he added. In summary, De Zerbi's primary focus is cultivating a winning mentality that cannot be bought but must be nurtured through consistent training, clear communication, and shared belief.
While the early results have been harsh, both the manager and pundits agree that the extensive overhaul of the squad will require a period of adjustment. The club's significant financial investment signals ambition, but the true test lies in translating that spending into cohesive performances on the pitch.
Looking ahead, Tottenham will need to address several key areas: establishing a clear tactical identity, improving defensive organization, and fostering stronger on‑field relationships among the new arrivals. If De Zerbi can instill confidence and a resilient mindset, the team may yet reverse its fortunes and justify the hefty summer outlay. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial for measuring progress. A more disciplined defensive display, coupled with creative spark from midfield signings, could provide the platform needed to secure the first points of the campaign.
Until then, the club, its supporters, and the broader football community will be watching closely to see whether the promised project can overcome its early setbacks and deliver the long‑awaited revival at Tottenham Hotspur.