Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear that the most pressing obstacle he faces at Tottenham Hotspur is reshaping the team’s mindset. After Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher blasted the club’s opening two‑game run as "the worst possible start," De Zerbi was forced to confront the reality that a change in attitude is essential if the North London side is to reverse its fortunes. Tottenham have now endured two Premier League defeats without finding the back of the net, leaving them languishing at the very bottom of the table despite splashing roughly £320 million on new signings during the summer transfer window. The opening match against Newcastle United saw Spurs appear competitive for large stretches of the game, only to be undone by a second‑half strike from Anthony Elanga.
The visitors then doubled their lead when Yoane Wissa capitalised on a loose ball inside the box, leaving Tottenham unable to mount a comeback. When asked whether the squad’s mentality was the biggest hurdle, De Zerbi 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 mindset cannot simply be purchased in the transfer market.
"Football is like magic: you can change many players in one window, 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 Zerbi stressed that the club’s long‑term project – rebuilding a fresh squad with a blend of experienced heads and youthful talent – remains sound, and he expressed confidence that the plan will eventually bear fruit. The manager also reflected on the disappointment of the opening loss, apologising to supporters and acknowledging the pressure that follows two consecutive 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 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. De Zerbi emphasized his belief in the quality of his players, noting that once they develop better cohesion, improve their passing connections, and tighten defensive structures, the squad’s potential will become evident.
He added, "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." Sky Sports commentator Jamie Carragher, speaking from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, warned that the club is likely to enter the market again after such a poor start. "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.
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 argued that panic‑driven spending is inevitable after two heavy defeats, noting that the club’s management will feel compelled to act quickly rather than waiting until the Christmas period, as might happen after a string of positive results. "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, you’d look at a couple of deals and think ‘maybe we’re OK,’" he said. "That certainly won’t be the case on the back of two really bad defeats." Former England international Jamie Redknapp offered a more measured perspective on Saturday Night Football, urging patience from fans and pundits alike. "There’s a lot of new players at Spurs and it’s going to take time," Redknapp observed. "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.
There are going to be teething problems." Redknapp also highlighted the responsibility of senior squad members, pointing to centre‑back Micky Van de Ven as an example of a player who could have done more to lead the side on the day. "Players who have been there for a long time can do better," he added, underscoring the need for leadership both on and off the pitch.
In summary, De Zerbi’s primary mission at Tottenham is to cultivate a resilient, winning mentality that cannot be bought with transfer fees alone. While the financial outlay this summer has been massive, the club’s immediate challenge lies in integrating a host of new faces into a cohesive unit.
The criticism from pundits such as Carragher and Redknapp reflects the intense scrutiny that accompanies a club of Tottenham’s stature, especially when early results are disappointing. Nevertheless, De Zerbi remains optimistic that, with time, the pieces will fall into place, the squad will develop its identity, and the North London side will climb out of the relegation zone to fulfill the ambitious project set out by the ownership. The road ahead will undoubtedly involve further signings, tactical adjustments, and a period of growing pains, but the manager’s confidence in his players’ abilities and his commitment to forging the right mindset suggest that Tottenham’s season could yet take a turn for the better. Fans are urged to remain patient, trust the process, and support the team as it works through its growing‑pains, hoping that the blend of experience and fresh talent will eventually translate into the results the club and its supporters deserve.