Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear that the most pressing issue at Tottenham Hotspur is reshaping the players' mindset. The Italian manager voiced his concerns after former England defender Jamie Carragher, speaking for Sky Sports, condemned the club's opening two‑game stretch as "the worst possible start" following a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United. Tottenham have now endured two Premier League losses without finding the net, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the table despite splashing a staggering £320 million on new signings during the summer window. The match against Newcastle saw Spurs appear more promising than their opponents for much of the first half, but a second‑half strike from Anthony Elanga broke the deadlock.
Tottenham failed to respond, and a close‑range finish from Yoane Wissa doubled Newcastle's advantage, sealing a disappointing result for the hosts. When asked whether the squad's mentality was the primary hurdle he must overcome, De Zerbi answered without hesitation: "Yes, you are right. It is the biggest problem, the biggest challenge, and the main target is to instill the right mentality." He went on to explain that a winning attitude cannot simply be purchased 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 instantly find balance, or you may need more time for them to gel. I would like to achieve the right mindset as quickly as possible because it is essential for playing good football." De Zerbi also praised the club's broader project, emphasizing his confidence in the long‑term plan. "The plan, the project of the club, the rebuilding of a new team with fresh faces, is a great plan, a great project, and I have no doubt about the eventual outcome of this project," he declared. He reiterated his disappointment with the 0‑2 loss, apologising to supporters and acknowledging the frustration that can arise after back‑to‑back defeats.
"I'm disappointed with the result, and I'm sorry for the fans, for the atmosphere. After two losses, some may think this is the same story as the last two seasons, but I have no doubt it is not. I cannot let two defeats shape my opinion of the team," De Zerbi said. The manager expressed strong belief in the quality of his squad, stressing that the key lies in building cohesion.
"I have huge confidence in the abilities of my players. When we become a true team, when the connections between the players improve, when the quality of our play rises, when we tighten our defensive shape, this group—whether I am in charge or another coach takes over—will remain strong because they are talented individuals," he explained.
He also lamented that, despite the club's ambitious recruitment, the team may not yet be ready to perform at the desired level for a variety of reasons. "I'm sorry for the club because they are constructing a fantastic squad, but perhaps we are not prepared yet, for many, many reasons," De Zerbi admitted.
Sky Sports' Carragher, providing co‑commentary from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, predicted that Spurs would likely enter the market again after such a poor start. "Tottenham's start to the season couldn't have gone any worse," he said. "But it will take time at Tottenham.
A lot of new players have arrived; they've paid top dollar, but they are quality players, especially in midfield, like Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali." Carragher noted glimpses of potential, citing Jan Paul van Hecke's composure on the ball, but warned that the rebuilding process is far from complete. "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. It's natural that people will panic a little and Tottenham will go back into the market, there's no doubt about it. Not just because they've lost twice, but because it forces decisive action.
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 terrible defeats." Jamie Redknapp, also of Sky Sports, urged patience from fans on Saturday Night Football. "There are a lot of new players at Spurs and it will take time," he said. "The manager has a jigsaw puzzle to solve—how to fit the pieces, which system to employ, who the best three midfielders are." Redknapp highlighted the inevitable growing pains, pointing out that senior figures like Micky van de Ven did not do enough to lead the side on the day, particularly in terms of goal contributions.
"Players who have been at the club for a long time can do better," he added. In summary, De Zerbi's primary focus is to cultivate a winning mentality within a squad that, on paper, boasts a massive investment and a plethora of talent.
While the early results have been harsh, both the manager and pundits agree that time, patience, and strategic signings will be essential to turn the tide. The challenge now lies in translating the financial outlay into on‑field cohesion, confidence, and ultimately, points that reflect the club's ambitions.