Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear that the most pressing obstacle he faces at Tottenham Hotspur is a shift in the squad's mindset. The former Brighton manager spoke candidly after Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher blasted the team's opening two‑match run as "the worst start imaginable" following a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United. Tottenham have now endured two Premier League losses without finding the back of the net, leaving them anchored at the foot of the table despite having splashed roughly £320 million on new signings during the summer window. The early-season woes have raised eyebrows across the league, especially given the magnitude of the financial outlay.
In the Newcastle encounter, Spurs appeared to be in control for much of the first half and even into the early stages of the second. However, Anthony Elanga broke the deadlock midway through the second period, and Tottenham were unable to muster a response.
A few minutes later Yoane Wissa doubled Newcastle's lead with a close‑range finish, sealing a 2-0 loss that left the home fans despondent. When asked whether the team's mentality was the primary concern, De Zerbi did not hesitate. "Yes, you are right – it is the biggest problem, the biggest challenge we have right now.
The key target is to instill the correct mentality," he said. He went on to explain that a winning attitude cannot simply be purchased in the transfer market. "Football is a bit like magic," he mused.
"You can bring in a host of new players in a single window and you might find the balance instantly, or you might need more time. I want to achieve the right mindset as quickly as possible because it is essential for playing good football." De Zerbi also emphasized his belief in the club's long‑term project. "The plan, the project we are building with new players, is solid and I have no doubt about its eventual success," he added. He reiterated his confidence that this season will differ markedly from the previous two, in which Tottenham finished 17th on both occasions.
Reflecting on the 0-2 loss, De Zerbi expressed disappointment and apologized to the supporters. "I am sorry for the fans and for the atmosphere in the stadium.
After two defeats some might think we are repeating the story of the last two seasons, but I do not share that view. Two games do not define a season," he said.
He praised the quality of his squad, noting that once the players develop a stronger connection, improve their collective play, and tighten defensive spaces, the team will become formidable regardless of who is on the bench. "I have huge confidence in the abilities of my players. When we gel as a unit, when the link‑up improves, when the defensive shape tightens, this group will thrive," he asserted. De Zerbi also acknowledged that the club is still in a building phase.
"The club is assembling a great squad, but perhaps we are not ready yet for many reasons," he admitted, hinting at the need for further integration and tactical refinement. Jamie Carragher, providing co‑commentary from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, predicted that the club would likely dip back into the transfer market after such a poor start. "Tottenham's opening to the season couldn't have been any worse," he said.
"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." Carragher noted some positive signs, such as Jan Paul Van Hecke's comfort on the ball, but cautioned that the process was far from complete. He warned that panic could set in among the fanbase, leading to further spending. "When you lose twice, you become more decisive about making moves.
If you had won the first two games, you might have been content to wait until Christmas before acting. That won't happen after two heavy defeats," he explained. Jamie Redknapp, also on Sky Sports, urged patience from supporters.
"There are many new faces at Spurs and it will take time for them to settle," he said. "The manager is trying to fit the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle – deciding which system works best and who the top three midfielders are." Redknapp highlighted that senior players need to step up, citing Micky Van de Ven's insufficient leadership on the day.
"Veteran players can do more, especially when goals are lacking," he added. In summary, De Zerbi's primary mission at Tottenham is to reshape the collective mindset of a squad that has already invested heavily but has yet to translate that spending into points.
While the early results have been disappointing, the manager remains optimistic about the underlying quality of his players and the long‑term vision of the club. Both pundits and fans are being asked to temper their expectations, give the new signings time to adapt, and trust that the project will eventually bear fruit. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Tottenham can reverse their fortunes and avoid a repeat of the previous seasons' struggles.