Tottenham spent big but De Zerbi questions Spurs’ mentality after poor start
Tottenham Hotspur’s big summer spending has yet to translate into results, with manager Roberto De Zerbi admitting that finding the “right mentality” remains his biggest challenge after Spurs suffered a second successive Premier League defeat.
Tottenham suffered a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle United on Saturday, with Spurs fading in the second half after dominating much of the opening third. Despite spending around £380m in the summer transfer window, De Zerbi believes his squad need time to develop the balance and mentality needed to compete at the top.
“There is no panic,” De Zerbi said after the defeat. “I know where we are going and what the plan is. I feel sorry for the fans for the result. We have to improve. We have to work hard on the pitch and find the connection between the players.”
The pressure surrounding Tottenham’s spending could not be ignored. Five of their eight summer signings started against Newcastle, including Omar Marmoush, who arrived from Manchester City for £60m.
Sandro Tonali was the biggest signature of the statement years, with Tottenham paying an initial £92.5 million for the midfielder. However, the Italy international endured a difficult afternoon against his former club and Newcastle fans booed his every touch.
There were flashes of quality from Tottenham. Marmoush showed some bright elements on his debut, while Mathys Tel tested Luks Horncek with great effort. Jan Paul van Hecke also made his mark with a header.
But Newcastle eventually revealed the gap between Tottenham’s spending power and their progress on the pitch.
“It’s the biggest problem, it’s the biggest challenge and the biggest goal is to find the right mentality,” De Zerbi said.
“You don’t find the right mentality in the transfer market. Football is a magical thing, you can replace a lot of players and you can find the balance immediately or you need more time.”
De Zerbi insisted he is confident Tottenham will eventually find a balance, even if it will take time.
“I want to achieve this goal as soon as possible, but I have no doubt that we will achieve it,” he said.
The Tottenham boss also revealed that Richarlison and Kevin Danso have asked to leave the club this week after Spurs completed further signings, including Svia and Marmoush from Manchester City.
“I love Danso and Richarlison, they are great guys, but if they want to leave, they have to bring an economic solution to the club and they can go and we will find other players,” said De Zerbi.
Tonali remains in the limelight after his big-money arrival. The midfielder was substituted shortly after Newcastle opened the scoring, with the visitors celebrating his departure.
However, De Zerbi has backed the midfielder and his other new signings to improve as Tottenham continue their rebuild.
“Sandro is a key player who is not at his best,” said De Zerbi. “But today I love my players more than if we had won. Because together we are rebuilding the club.”
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
30 Aug 2026 12:08 IST