Roberto De Zerbi admits building the right mentality is Tottenham’s biggest challenge after consecutive defeats.
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has admitted that instilling the right squad mentality remains his biggest hurdle in North London, insisting that psychological resilience cannot simply be purchased in the transfer market.
Following Tottenham’s 2-0 home loss against Newcastle United, De Zerbi delivered an honest evaluation of his team’s internal development. Despite significant recruitment activity throughout the summer transfer window, the Italian head coach stressed that squad balance and competitive drive take time to cultivate across a newly assembled group.
Addressing the psychological work ahead for his coaching staff, De Zerbi stated (h/t Football London):
“It’s the biggest problem, it’s the biggest challenge and it’s the biggest target to find the right mentality. Unfortunately, you can’t buy the mentality in the transfer market or putting many players inside. Football is like a magic thing, you know? You can change many players in a window, in one window of transfer market and you can find the balance immediately or you need more time. I think we (will) achieve this target and this goal.”
Despite opening the Premier League campaign with consecutive defeats against Brentford and Newcastle, De Zerbi insists that the club’s long-term project remains on track. He emphasized that navigating difficult moments is a necessary phase in forming a strong group identity.
Reflecting on the long-term vision and the outcome of Saturday’s match, De Zerbi added:
“I would like to achieve this target quickly and as soon as possible because it is crucial to play football, but the plan and the project of the club and what we are doing to build and rebuild a new team with great players is a great plan and a great project. I have no doubt the result of this project. We have to accept and to be stronger to move on after this defeat.”
“I think in the first half, if we scored two goals today, now we would have talked about different things, unfortunately we lost the game, and you know in Italian, who wins, celebrates and who loses, explain why and then explain why.”
Navigating Early-Season Pressure
De Zerbi’s comments highlight the delicate balancing act facing Tottenham as they work to integrate new additions while establishing consistent performance levels. With Spurs preparing to face Nottingham Forest next in the Premier League, the head coach will be looking for an immediate improvement in application and composure to kickstart Tottenham’s campaign.
