Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear that the most pressing issue he faces at Tottenham Hotspur is reshaping the team’s collective mindset. The former Brighton manager voiced this concern after former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher, appearing on Sky Sports, blasted Tottenham’s opening two‑match run as "the worst possible start" following a 2‑0 defeat to 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 splashing roughly £320 million on new signings during the summer window. In the Newcastle encounter, De Zerbi’s side appeared to be in control for much of the first half, only for Anthony Elanga to break the deadlock midway through the second period. The visitors then doubled their advantage when Yoane Wissa capitalised on a close‑range opportunity, leaving Spurs unable to mount a comeback.
When pressed on whether the psychological aspect was the biggest hurdle, De Zerby answered unequivocally: "You are right, yes. It’s the biggest problem, it’s the biggest challenge, the biggest target is to find the right mentality." He went on to explain that a winning attitude cannot be purchased in the transfer market. "Football is like magic: you can change many players in one window of the transfer market, and you can find the balance immediately, or you need more time.
I would like to achieve this target quickly, as soon as possible, because it’s crucial to play football," he said. De Zerby also highlighted the broader project at the club, emphasizing that the overhaul of the squad with fresh talent is a solid plan that he trusts will bear fruit.
"The plan, the project of the club, what we are doing to rebuild a new team with new players, is a great plan, is a great project, and I have no doubt about the result of this project," he added. The manager reiterated his disappointment with the result, apologising to supporters and acknowledging the uneasy atmosphere that follows two successive defeats. "I’m disappointed with the result, and I’m sorry for the fans, for the environment, because after two defeats, maybe somebody can think it’s the same story, the same as the last two seasons.
I have no doubt it’s not like this. I can’t change my opinion for two defeats," he said. Nevertheless, De Zerby expressed unwavering confidence in his squad’s quality.
He believes that once the players develop a stronger connection on the pitch, improve their tactical discipline and defensive shape, the team’s fortunes will change dramatically. "I have big, big confidence in the qualities of my players. At the end, when we become a team, when we improve the connection between the players, when we improve the quality of the play, when we improve the defensive space, this group, with me or with another coach, nothing changes, because they are two good players," he explained. He also admitted that the club is still in a building phase and may not yet be ready to compete at the highest level.
"I’m sorry for the club, because they are building a great squad, but maybe now we are not ready yet, for many, many reasons," De Zerby said, hinting at the need for patience as the new signings settle. Carragher, who was co‑commentating from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, warned that the poor start could trigger another round of spending in the transfer market. "Tottenham’s start to the season couldn’t have gone any worse," he declared.
"But it’s going to take time at Tottenham. A lot of new players have come in; they’ve paid top dollar, but they’re quality players, certainly in the midfield area, like Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali." He noted glimpses of promise, such as Jan Paul van Hecke’s composure on the ball, but stressed that consistency was still lacking. "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 added.
The former Liverpool stalwart predicted that Spurs would likely re‑enter the market to address the early setbacks. "It’s natural that people will panic a little and Tottenham will go into the market again, there’s no doubt about it. Not just because they’ve lost twice, but it makes you more decisive.
If you’ve won both games and a couple of games and some of the players looked alright, you’d look at a couple of deals and think ‘maybe we’re OK, maybe we give those players until Christmas’. That certainly won’t be the case on the back of two really bad defeats." Jamie Redknapp, also on Sky Sports’ Saturday Night Football, called for calm and patience from supporters.
"There’s a lot of new players at Spurs and it’s going to take time," he said. "The manager has got a jigsaw puzzle and he’s got to figure out how to fit the players in, what system to use, who the best three players are in midfield." Redknapp warned that teething problems are inevitable when a squad undergoes such a massive overhaul.
He also critiqued senior figures like Micky van de Ven, suggesting that the experienced players had not yet stepped up to lead the side, particularly in critical moments such as scoring opportunities. In summary, De Zerby’s primary mission at Tottenham is to forge a resilient, winning mentality that cannot be bought with transfer fees. While the club has invested heavily, the integration of new talent, the establishment of tactical cohesion, and the development of a strong collective belief will determine whether Spurs can reverse their early-season fortunes.
Both Carragher and Redknapp acknowledge the challenges but also recognise the potential for improvement if the club remains patient and continues to fine‑tune its roster and playing style. The coming weeks will be crucial for De Zerby’s project, as he seeks to translate his confidence in the squad into tangible results on the pitch, while navigating the inevitable scrutiny from media, fans, and former players alike.