Roberto De Zerbi has acknowledged that Tottenham Hotspur is still a work in progress following a disappointing 3-0 loss to Brentford in the opening match of the 2026-27 Premier League season.
The manager from Italy highlighted that the team is lacking in physical and tactical readiness, even after a summer transfer spending exceeding £300 million.
According to Softfootball, De Zerbi noted that it became apparent after a pre-season win over Hoffenheim that the team was not adequately prepared for the season’s commencement. He emphasized that the club is currently lagging in its preparation for the Premier League.
Instead of rushing to set specific goals, De Zerbi believes that Tottenham must prioritize building a strong team spirit, improving player connections, and enhancing physical fitness to be competitive.
The loss against Brentford revealed multiple weaknesses, as Spurs struggled with one-on-one confrontations and lacked the expected unity for a team that has seen significant changes.
Despite the substantial financial investment and the surrounding optimism, the former Brighton and Marseille manager argues that the focus should be on development rather than immediate results.
