Why This Break Is a Tough Blow for De Zerbi and Tottenham
When a club like Tottenham invests roughly £400 million on new players, it raises expectations sky-high. But such a massive overhaul brings its own complications. Imagine getting ready for a wedding but spending all your money on mismatched clothes—a pink shoe, brown pants, yellow shirt, and orange tie—obviously it won’t come together well. That’s what happened at Spurs this summer.
The club, which narrowly avoided relegation two seasons running by finishing 17th twice, suddenly found fans dreaming of trophies and top-four finishes. Yet, early results haven’t matched those hopes. Fans should recognize how many factors play into building a proper team, and it seems unfair to heap pressure on Roberto de Zerbi so soon, especially since he kept the team in the Premier League last season.
De Zerbi’s Early Days and the Need for Time
De Zerbi stepped in with seven games left last season when Spurs sat 17th. Three wins and two draws were enough to secure safety. Now, he faces an even bigger task—blending many new signings with the existing squad, creating a unit that works well together. This demands time, patience, and subtle details fans often don’t see.
Unfortunately, just as he might have gotten some rhythm, the international break removes many players for three weeks, limiting training opportunities. Alongside poor home form and difficulty bouncing back after conceding first, his main challenge remains making this expensive squad function as a cohesive team.
Team Chemistry Takes Time to Build
De Zerbi is known for his passion and clear style, demanding full commitment. Although he has the board's support, the slow start puzzles some. The real issue is assembling players who fit together as a team, not just individuals.
Drawing from experience, Tony Pulis recalls pairing two very different centre-backs at Stoke: one preferred dropping deep because of limited speed, while the other was fast and more aggressive. It took extensive training and adjustments for them to work effectively as a pair. Such combinations rarely click overnight.
Some clubs, like Sunderland or Brighton, manage to integrate new players quickly because they maintain a strong, consistent identity. Spurs lack that solid foundation, making it harder to mesh ten new players brought in all at once.
Every player adjusts differently—not only to their new surroundings but also to the demands of a coach like De Zerbi. Missing a full pre-season together worsened this, and Spurs continued adding to their squad even after the season started.
Discovering the Right Fit On and Off the Pitch
Building a team means knowing which players understand teamwork and which don’t. De Zerbi started the season still figuring out his squad’s strengths and weaknesses, missing a chance to stamp his authority from day one. Being a hands-on coach, he thrives on working closely with players, which the international break disrupts.
Tony Pulis shares an example from his own career where a high-profile signing didn’t follow team instructions during training. Despite repeated corrections, the player stuck to his own ideas, forcing Pulis to replace him with a younger player who embraced the team’s needs.
Off-field connections matter too. Pulis recalls taking South American players and their families out for dinner to build trust and respect, helping them settle faster. Cultural differences impact how players adjust to life at a club.
One Premier League player had a routine of training all morning, sleeping most of the day, then going out late into the night before returning for morning sessions. It seemed odd but worked for him, and eventually, he integrated well with the team despite initial isolation.
Patience Is Key for Spurs Supporters
Being just a few months into his job, De Zerbi needs time to get to know the players fully—their characters, habits, and how they fit into his system. It takes more than just tactics; it requires understanding people.
Fans should hold back from harsh judgments after only five league games. The foundations for a successful team are being laid, and though it’s frustrating, this process cannot be rushed. De Zerbi’s passion and style could eventually bring the results Spurs hope for if given the opportunity to work properly with his squad.
