In his most recent column for Sky Sports, former Spurs legend Paul Merson voiced unease about the post‑match remarks made by new manager Roberto De Zerbi, specifically his criticism of the club's forwards and the medical department. De Zerbi’s comments came after Tottenham’s 0-0 stalemate with Nottingham Forest, a game in which the visitors failed to register a single shot on target and continued their search for a first Premier League goal of the campaign. De Zerbi did not mince words when he addressed his attacking unit, insisting that the players must make "better decisions" in the final third of play. He also expressed frustration with his own medical staff, claiming they had instructed him that both Savio and Destiny Udogie should be withdrawn after 60 minutes, a directive that forced the manager to make substitutions that, in his view, disrupted the team’s rhythm.
Merson, writing as a lifelong Spurs supporter, warned that such public airing of internal disagreements could be a cause for concern. He noted that De Zerbi seems prone to confrontations, recalling a similar episode involving Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, who publicly blamed the club’s medical team for dictating his substitution policy before departing a few weeks later.
"If you have a problem with your staff, keep it in the dressing room," Merson wrote, "don’t broadcast it to the fans." The former midfielder also questioned the fairness of De Zerbi’s criticism of the forwards. Tottenham created very few clear-cut chances against Forest, and the opposition goalkeeper was not a standout performer. "You can’t blame the attackers when the supply isn’t there," Merson argued, pointing out that the team as a whole struggled to generate quality opportunities. He added that the real issue lies deeper, in the squad’s mentality after two consecutive seasons finishing 17th.
Turning things around, he suggested, will not happen overnight; patience and a realistic assessment of the gap to the top five are essential. De Zerbi’s own statements provide further insight into his perspective. He praised the overall performance but stressed that the last‑third work needed refinement.
"We have to stay calmer when we are close to a decisive moment," he said, citing a specific chance when Omar Marmoush struck from distance while Andy Robertson overlapped on the flank. De Zerbi imagined a different outcome: "If we had taken the right decision, Robertson could have delivered a cross to the far post where Kudus was waiting to finish." He also highlighted missed opportunities from Mathys Tel and Savio, noting that the final decision in those instances fell short.
Regarding the medical staff’s influence on substitutions, De Zerbi was candid: "In the second half I was forced to replace Savinho and Udogie after 60 minutes because the medical team advised it. It was not ideal, as both players are crucial to our game plan." He acknowledged that the replacements – Kudus and Robertson – performed admirably, but the timing of the changes disrupted the team’s balance.
"Savio is not in the best physical condition to play a full 90 minutes, and Destiny is equally important," De Zerbi explained, emphasizing the need to avoid risking injuries. He concluded that while the situation was frustrating, it is part of football management: "The plan may not have worked, but player welfare comes first, and the management of injuries is my responsibility." Merson summed up his worries, suggesting that De Zerbi’s public grievances could signal deeper friction within the club.
He urged the manager to keep internal disputes private and focus on building a cohesive unit that can convert the limited chances they create. For Spurs fans, the message is clear: the club must address both tactical shortcomings in the final third and the broader cultural issues that arise when staff members publicly criticize each other. Only then can Tottenham hope to climb out of the lower reaches of the table and challenge for a higher finish in the season ahead.