De Zerbi says Tottenham must fix mentality after losing start

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi says changing the club’s mentality is his “biggest challenge” after Spurs fell to the bottom of the Premier League following two defeats without scoring.

Tottenham lost 1-0 away to Brentford before suffering a 2-0 home defeat by Newcastle, despite investing heavily in their squad during the transfer window.

Their latest loss at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium again highlighted a long-standing weakness when they concede first. Anthony Elanga put the visitors ahead in the second half before Yoane Wissa added a second, with De Zerbi acknowledging that his side’s confidence disappeared after going behind.

“After the goal we conceded, I think we lost the confidence. The reaction was not good enough,” he said.

The result means Tottenham have not won a Premier League game after conceding the opening goal since November 2024. They last recovered from such a position when they beat Manchester City 4-1 under Ange Postecoglou.

With the transfer deadline on Tuesday, De Zerbi said improving the players’ mentality was more important than making further additions to the squad.

“You are right, yes. It’s the biggest problem, it’s the biggest challenge, the biggest target is to find the right mentality,” he said.

“Unfortunately you can’t buy the mentality in the transfer market.”

One of the central figures in Tottenham’s rebuilding programme is Sandro Tonali, who joined from Newcastle for £100m. The midfielder experienced a difficult return to St James’ Park, where home supporters booed each of his touches before he was replaced in the 75th minute.

De Zerbi defended the Italy international, saying Tonali may still not be at his best physically.

“Sandro Tonali is another crucial player. He is not in the right condition, in the best condition yet, maybe physically,” he said.

The Tottenham manager also revealed that Richarlison, Kevin Danso and Pape Matar Sarr have asked to leave the club before the deadline.

Sarr is currently recovering from a minor hamstring injury, while De Zerbi said Richarlison and Danso are fit enough to seek moves. He added that departures would depend on suitable financial agreements being reached.

“I love these players, and they are great guys,” he said. “But if they want to leave, they have to bring the economic solution to the club, and they can go and we find other players.”

Despite Tottenham’s poor beginning to the campaign, De Zerbi said he was not panicking and remained confident in the quality of his squad.

“I can’t change my opinion for two defeats,” he said. “I have big, big confidence in the qualities of my players.”

Pressure has already begun to build after Tottenham finished 17th in each of the past two seasons. However, De Zerbi believes the current project represents a significant change as the club attempts to construct a new team around a number of new signings.

“The plan, the project of the club, what we are doing to rebuild a new team with new players, is a great plan, is a great project, and I have no doubt about the result of this project.”