De Zerbi admits Spurs 'not a team yet' after Brentford defeat

Roberto De Zerbi conceded that Tottenham Hotspur are "not a team yet" following their dismal 3-0 opening-season defeat at Brentford. The Italian boss acknowledged that his new-look side, assembled after a significant summer of spending, are still far from a cohesive unit.

A costly reality check

The defeat at the Brentford Community Stadium served as a stark reminder of the gap between individual talent and collective performance. De Zerbi, known for his meticulous tactical approach, saw his side lack the organisation and pressing intensity that characterised his previous teams. They were second best in every department, with Brentford exploiting the spaces behind Tottenham's high line.

This was not a case of poor luck or contentious decisions; it was a systemic issue. Tottenham's attacking transitions were disjointed, and defensively they were exposed repeatedly. The statistics underline the concern: Brentford registered more shots on target, won more duels, and looked more dangerous from set pieces. For a team with aspirations of challenging for European places, this was a sobering opening-day performance.

The summer spending spree has raised expectations, but it has also created a challenge of integration. With several new arrivals, De Zerbi must find the right balance and ensure his ideas are understood. The Italian's philosophy demands intensity and positional discipline, qualities that take time to instil, especially with a relatively new group of players.

What's going wrong?

One of the key issues was the lack of cohesion in midfield. The new signings, though talented, appear to be on a different wavelength to their teammates. Passes were misplaced, runs were mistimed, and there was a general sense of disjointedness. This is not unexpected so early in the season, but it is a concern that the manager himself has voiced.

Defensively, Tottenham were caught out on the counter-attack, with the back line failing to track runners and the full-backs caught high up the pitch. The team's pressing was also uncoordinated, allowing Brentford to play through the lines with ease. These are facets of De Zerbi's system that require collective understanding and sharp execution.

The loss also highlighted a mental fragility that has been a recurring issue for Tottenham in recent seasons. In the past, they have often struggled when things go against them, and this performance was no exception. The players seemed to lose confidence after conceding the first goal, and the heads dropped.

Implications for the season

The early-season form is not yet a crisis, but it is a warning sign. Tottenham's next fixtures will not be easy, and De Zerbi will need to work swiftly on the training ground to rectify these shortcomings before they face tougher opposition.

  • De Zerbi must address the pressing triggers and defensive shape to prevent similar collapses.
  • The attacking unit needs to develop better chemistry, with new signings learning each other's movements.
  • Mental resilience will be crucial; Tottenham cannot afford to let one defeat derail their campaign.

For Fantasy Premier League managers, this performance is a cautionary tale. Tottenham assets are highly owned, but their lack of cohesion could limit their attacking returns, at least in the short term. Dominic Solanke, who was brought in for big money, struggled to make an impact, and the midfielders behind him failed to provide the necessary support.

What's next for Tottenham?

De Zerbi now faces the task of turning a collection of individuals into a team. The international break, if there is one, could provide valuable time on the training ground, but the calendar is unforgiving. Tottenham's recent history against top-six rivals has been mixed, and they cannot afford to drop further points if they are to keep pace with the early leaders.

The next match will be a test of character. De Zerbi's side must show they have learned from this setback and can respond with a cohesive display. The Italian's reputation for improving teams over time offers some hope, but patience will be required. As he rightly said, they are not a team yet — but with the right adjustments, they can be.

Filed under: Latest News | LA Premier League Home