Tottenham chief executive backs Roberto De Zerbi despite winless Premier League start

Tottenham chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has voiced his support for head coach Roberto De Zerbi after a difficult opening to the Premier League season left the club bottom of the table.

Spurs have taken no victories from their first five matches, with the poor points return coming after more than 380 million pounds was spent on new players during the off-season.

Speaking at Tottenham’s first Fan Advisory Board meeting of the campaign, Venkatesham acknowledged the frustration caused by the results but said there had also been positive elements in the team’s performances.

He pointed to the chances Tottenham created in matches against Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Everton. Spurs failed to score in each of those games, but Venkatesham highlighted their ability to get into opportunities despite that lack of goals.

The chief executive also defended the scale of the club’s recruitment during the summer. Ten players joined Tottenham, while several senior players departed, creating significant changes to the squad.

Venkatesham said the effect of such extensive changes, both on and off the pitch, would not necessarily be immediate. He recognised that the club would need time for the changes to take full effect.

The meeting also covered Tottenham’s financial position. Rising costs, lower revenues and the requirements of financial regulations have created pressure on the club to improve the way it operates in the player-sales market.

Venkatesham said he had “acknowledged the disappointment at the current points total even at this early point in the season and recognised the frustration this caused supporters following the previous campaign.”

He added: “The club had made significant changes over the off-season, both on and off the pitch, and recognised that these might take time to take full effect.”

Venkatesham also “expressed confidence in Roberto De Zerbi, in the players brought in and in the changes made, noting the considerable work under way behind the scenes.”

His comments come with Tottenham still searching for their first win of the season and having failed to turn promising aspects of their attacking play into goals against three opponents.

The club’s summer overhaul followed the previous campaign, while the financial pressures outlined by Venkatesham mean Tottenham are also seeking to strengthen their player-sales model as they manage increased costs and reduced revenues.

Despite the team’s position after five games, the chief executive maintained his backing for De Zerbi, the new arrivals and the wider changes taking place at the club.