Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear that the most pressing issue at Tottenham Hotspur is reshaping the squad's collective mindset. The Italian coach voiced this concern after former Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher, appearing on Sky Sports, described the team's early-season performance as "the worst possible start" following a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United.
Tottenham have now dropped points in their first two Premier League fixtures, failing to find the net in either game and sitting at the foot of the table despite splashing roughly £320 million on new signings during the summer transfer window. The loss to Newcastle was particularly painful because Spurs had actually been playing better than their opponents for much of the match. It was only when Anthony Elanga broke the deadlock midway through the second half that the tide turned, and a subsequent finish from Yoane Wissa sealed the defeat. When asked whether the team's mentality was the primary problem he must address, De Zerbi answered unequivocally: "You're right, yes.
It is the biggest problem, the biggest challenge. The top priority is to instill the right mentality." He went on to explain that a winning attitude cannot simply be bought in the transfer market. "Football is a bit like magic," he said.
"You can bring in a host of new players in a single window and you might hit the perfect balance straight away, or you might need more time to gel. I want to achieve the right mindset as quickly as possible because it is essential for playing good football." De Zerbi also defended the club's long‑term plan, emphasizing that the project of rebuilding the team with fresh talent is sound and that he has confidence in its eventual success. "The plan, the project of the club, what we are doing to rebuild a new team with new players, is a great plan, a great project, and I have no doubt about the result of this project," he asserted.
He reiterated his disappointment with the recent result and expressed empathy for the supporters: "I'm sorry for the fans and for the atmosphere. After two defeats, some might think this is the same story as the last two seasons, but I have no doubt it is not. I cannot let two losses define my opinion of the team." De Zerbi stressed his belief in the quality of his players, noting that once the group starts to function as a cohesive unit, improves the connections between individuals, raises the overall level of play, and tightens defensive organization, the team will become formidable.
"When we become a team, when we improve the link‑up between the players, when we raise the quality of our football, when we protect space better, this group—whether with me or another coach—will thrive because they are talented individuals," he said. He also acknowledged that the squad is still in a developmental phase: "I'm sorry for the club because we are building a great squad, but perhaps we are not ready yet for many reasons." Carragher, who was providing co‑commentary from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, predicted that the club would likely enter the market again after such a poor start. "Tottenham's start to the season couldn't have gone any worse," he remarked.
"But it will take time at Tottenham. A lot of new players have arrived; they've paid top dollar, especially in midfield with the likes of Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali." He pointed out glimpses of promise, citing Jan Paul van Hecke's performance on the ball, but warned that the work is far from finished. "We saw signs today in terms of Van Hecke on the ball, but it won't be finished.
I think there will be more to come." Carragher suggested that panic could set in among the fans and the board, leading to another round of signings: "It's natural that people will panic a little and Tottenham will go back into the market again, there's no doubt about it. Not just because they've lost twice, but it makes you more decisive. If they'd won both games, you might think, 'maybe we're okay, maybe we give these players until Christmas.' That certainly won't be the case after two really bad defeats." Jamie Redknapp, also appearing on Sky Sports' Saturday Night Football, urged patience, acknowledging the challenges of integrating a large influx of new talent. "There are a lot of new players at Spurs and it's going to take time," he said.
"The manager has a jigsaw puzzle and he has to figure out how to fit the pieces together, what system to employ, and who the best three midfielders are." Redknapp highlighted that growing pains are inevitable and called out senior players for not stepping up sufficiently, mentioning Micky van de Ven as an example of a player who could have provided more leadership and defensive solidity. "Players who have been there for a long time can do better," he added. In summary, the consensus among pundits is that Tottenham's early setbacks are largely a symptom of a squad in transition.
The club has invested heavily, bringing in high‑profile names across the pitch, but the chemistry and confidence required to turn those investments into results will need time to develop. De Zerbi's primary mission, according to his own words, is to cultivate a winning mentality that cannot be purchased, while the coaching staff and the board must manage expectations, possibly explore additional signings, and give the new players the space to adapt. The coming weeks will be crucial for the North London club.
If the team can quickly absorb the tactical instructions, improve the link‑up play, and solidify its defensive shape, the early points deficit could be overcome. Until then, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether the promised "great project" materialises on the pitch or whether further interventions in the transfer market become inevitable.