Roberto De Zerbi: Spurs’ season will be better but we cannot buy mentality

By George Sessions, Press Association

Roberto De Zerbi has assured Tottenham supporters this season will be different but acknowledged his biggest challenge is to change the mentality of his expensively-assembled squad.

Optimism was high at Spurs after a successful survival bid on the final day of the 2025-26 campaign in May was followed by a remarkable transfer window where more than £350million has been committed by the north London club on eight new additions.

It has failed to instantly translate into better results after an opening-day 3-0 loss away to Brentford was followed by a 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle on Saturday night.

De Zerbi revealed after the match that squad players Kevin Danso, Pape Sarr and Richarlison had asked to leave, but was defiant about the ambition of his new-look side.

After back-to-back 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League, De Zerbi promised better, but Tottenham are currently bottom after two matches.

De Zerbi said: “If I was positive last season when we were in the Championship, because when I came (in March) we were in the Championship, what do you think my thoughts now could be?

“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 after two defeats. I have a big, big confidence in the qualities of my players.

“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.

“Today, I think, until the first goal, we played better than Newcastle.

“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. 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.”

This Spurs project could continue without Danso, Sarr and Richarlison.

“I have very good relationships but if they want to leave, they have to bring the solution, the economic solution, to the club, and they can go,” De Zerbi said.

Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle toasted an excellent maiden win in the Premier League after crucial first-half saves by Lukas Hornicek to thwart Mathys Tel, Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke were followed by second-half goals from Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa.

Jaissle said: “Yeah, really pleased. Not only because of the goals we scored but because of the performance we showed and how we were improving during the match.

“That gives me confidence and should give us confidence.

“The second half was really good, in both phases and we also controlled the transition moments better so a well deserved win.”