Why This Break Hits Spurs and De Zerbi at the Worst Moment
Spending huge sums on new players, like Tottenham did this summer—around £400m—always brings complications. It’s like being given a budget for an outfit and splurging it all on mismatched items; it just doesn’t work well together. That’s the situation De Zerbi faces at Spurs.
The club, once cautious with its investments, suddenly raised expectations after narrowly avoiding relegation twice in a row, finishing 17th back-to-back. Fans jumped from fearing relegation to dreaming of trophies and Champions League spots.
Early results haven’t lived up to those hopes, but many don’t see the complexity behind building a team. Suggesting De Zerbi should be under pressure now ignores he kept Spurs up last season after stepping in late.
Why De Zerbi Needs More Time
Winning requires time—time on the training ground and time bonding with players off it. Yet, De Zerbi hasn’t had much of either, especially with most of his squad now scattered on international duty for three weeks. His issues range from poor home performances to struggling to recover when conceding first, but fitting new signings into a working team is the biggest challenge.
This isn’t quick work; it demands patience and attention to details fans never witness. Back in my day, managers got time to build a family out of their teams. Today, that luxury seems scarce. After just five league games, some fans already question De Zerbi’s abilities despite his proven track record elsewhere.
I appreciate his passion and style. It matters little if results don’t improve, but I think he deserves a genuine chance.
Adjusting New Players Takes Time to Click
De Zerbi is direct, ambitious, and demands full backing from the club, which he has received. So why the slow start? The answer lies in blending many new arrivals into a team rather than a collection of individuals.
I’ve been in similar spots, like early days at Stoke with two very different centre-backs, Gerry Taggart and Michael Duberry. One was slower and dropped deeper; the other was quick and preferred to hold a higher line. Making them function as one required endless training sessions. It took time before they clicked.
Building combinations like that needs time with players. Sometimes clubs with a clear identity manage quicker integration, like Sunderland or Brighton. Spurs lack that solid base, making the arrival of ten new players at once more complicated.
Each player comes with a unique personality needing adjustment not only to the club but also to De Zerbi’s demanding approach. Pre-season would have helped, but Spurs didn’t have a full one together and kept adding players even after the season began.
Learning Who Fits and Who Doesn’t
Coaching a cohesive team takes time, patience, and understanding each player’s strengths. Because De Zerbi started without his full squad, he missed early chances to stamp his ideas fully.
He prefers hands-on coaching, working on systems for possession and defense, but the international break interrupts this process. Additionally, getting to know the characters in the dressing room takes time.
For example, I once had a right-back signed for a significant fee who consistently picked poor defensive positions. Despite repeated corrections, he stuck to his own view until I swapped him for a reserve who understood his role was for the team, not personal preference.
Understanding Players Off the Pitch Matters
Getting things right extends beyond the pitch—knowing players as individuals and respecting their backgrounds helps build trust. At West Brom, I spent time with South American players and their families outside football, which earned respect and loyalty.
Different cultures mean different lifestyles. One Premier League player I managed kept an unusual daily routine—training in the morning, resting at home until late evening, then going out until early hours before training again. It took time to understand him, but he produced top performances and eventually settled into the squad.
Building relationships and learning about players’ lives is vital and something I always prioritized.
