De Zerbi reveals Tottenham’s biggest problem after Newcastle loss
By Joel Masibo, August 30, 2026Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has admitted that changing the mentality within his squad is his biggest challenge after Spurs suffered another defeat at the start of the Premier League campaign.
Tottenham’s difficult opening continued at home on Saturday, August 29, 2026, as Newcastle United secured a 2-0 victory, leaving De Zerbi’s team without a point or a goal from their opening two league matches.
The result has placed Spurs at the bottom of the Premier League table, despite the club investing around £320 million (about Ksh56.30 billion) in new players during the summer transfer window.
Tottenham had produced the better performance for large periods against Newcastle at their backyard, but failed to turn their possession and chances into goals. Their resistance eventually broke when Anthony Elanga put the visitors ahead in the second half.
Newcastle then doubled their advantage through Yoane Wissa, who finished from close range to seal all three points for Eddie Howe’s side.
Mentality is Tottenham’s biggest challenge
De Zerbi believes the most important task now is developing the right mindset among his players.
Asked if mentality represented his biggest obstacle at Spurs, the Italian manager responded: “You are right, yes. It’s the biggest problem, it’s the biggest challenge, the biggest target is to find the right mentality.
“Unfortunately you can’t buy the mentality in the transfer market. Football is like magic: you can change many players in one window of the transfer market, and you can find the balance immediately, or you need more time. I would like to achieve this target quickly, as soon as possible, because it’s crucial to play football.
“But 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.”
The manager also insisted that two defeats should not be enough to convince him that Tottenham are heading towards another disappointing campaign.
Spurs have ended each of their previous two Premier League seasons in 17th place, but De Zerbi remains confident that his current squad can produce a different outcome.
He said: “I’m disappointed with the result, and 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 for two defeats.
“I have big, big confidence in the qualities of my players. At the end, when we become a team, when we improve the connection between the players, when we improve the quality of the play, when we improve the defensive space, this group, with me or with another coach, nothing changes, because they are two good 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.”
Carragher expects Spurs to make more signings
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Tottenham’s poor beginning could encourage the club to return to the transfer market before the window closes.
Speaking during Sky Sports‘ coverage, Carragher said: “Tottenham’s start to the season couldn’t have gone any worse,” he said. “But it’s going to take time at Tottenham. A lot of new players have come in; they’ve paid top dollar, but they’re quality players, certainly in the midfield area, like [Mateus] Fernandes and [Sandro] Tonali.
“We saw signs today in terms of [Jan Paul] Van Hecke on the ball, but it won’t be finished. I think there will be more to come.
“It’s natural that people will panic a little and Tottenham will go into the market again, there’s no doubt about it.” He said.
Tottenham now face pressure to respond quickly, with De Zerbi needing to find both a winning formula and the right mentality as he attempts to steer the club away from the struggles of the previous two campaigns.