Tottenham Hotspur struggles to find form as manager criticizes players and medical staff
Category: Sports
Roberto De Zerbi is under increasing pressure as Tottenham Hotspur has managed to secure only one point from their first three matches of the 2026/27 Premier League season. Following a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest on September 9, 2026, De Zerbi expressed his frustration with the team's performance, particularly their inability to score and make effective decisions in the final third.
The match at the City Ground was particularly disappointing as Spurs failed to register a single shot on target, continuing their search for a first league goal of the season. The lack of offensive output has raised concerns among fans and pundits alike, with De Zerbi stating, "We have to take the right decisions and keep more calm when we are very close to doing something important in the last third." His comments highlight the urgency for improvement as the team struggles to gel.
De Zerbi's post-match comments were not limited to the attackers; he also voiced his displeasure with the medical staff's decision to limit new signings Savio and Destiny Udogie to 60 minutes on the pitch. He stated, "I'm sorry because Savio and Destiny in that moment, I think they could play something more than 60 minutes. But there was a plan with the medical staff to not take risks." This highlights the delicate balance between managing player fitness and achieving results, especially in light of Tottenham's recent history of injuries.
Fans have reacted with mixed feelings to the team's performance and De Zerbi's comments. Some supporters echoed the manager's sentiments, emphasizing the need for patience as new players integrate into the squad. Others expressed frustration, arguing that Spurs are an easy target for media scrutiny, particularly after only three matches into the season. Tottenham insider John Wenham expressed concern over De Zerbi's comments about Sandro Tonali, a club-record signing from Newcastle United for £100 million, who has started every match but is perceived to be struggling with fitness. "I’m a bit concerned that this whole thing about Tonali not being match fit, I don’t really understand that," Wenham noted.
Tottenham's struggles can be traced back to their underwhelming performances in the previous season, where they finished in a disappointing position. The club invested heavily in the summer transfer window, spending over £300 million on new players, including Tonali, Savio, and Omar Marmoush. These investments were made with high expectations, yet the team has yet to deliver results on the pitch.
De Zerbi's managerial style emphasizes building a cohesive unit, but the rapid influx of new talent has complicated this process. The manager himself acknowledged that simply having quality players is not enough. "We need time to train together and build an effective team," he remarked. This sentiment resonates with fans who recognize the challenges of integrating multiple new signings into a cohesive playing style.
In addition to the tactical challenges, Tottenham has faced substantial injury woes in recent years, leading to changes within the medical and performance departments. The club's new medical lead, Nick Stubbings, has implemented a more cautious approach to player fitness, aiming to prevent re-injuries that have plagued the squad. De Zerbi's relationship with Stubbings appears to be strengthening, as both are focused on ensuring the team's long-term health and performance.
Looking ahead, Tottenham will need to find a way to convert their possession and chances into goals. De Zerbi has identified decision-making in the final third as a primary area for improvement. "We could score three or four goals today, because if you take the wrong decision, you don't score," he explained after the Nottingham Forest match. With their next fixture against Everton on the horizon, the manager will be looking for a marked improvement in offensive efficiency.
As the pressure mounts, De Zerbi remains committed to his vision for the team. He has set a target for Omar Marmoush, who is expected to score at least 12 to 15 goals this season, a benchmark that reflects the club's urgent need for attacking output. The manager's faith in his players will be tested as they seek to establish chemistry and consistency on the pitch.
With Tottenham currently sitting near the bottom of the Premier League table, the upcoming matches will be decisive in determining the club's direction this season. Fans will be hoping for a turnaround in fortunes, starting with a strong performance against Everton. As De Zerbi stated, "We are not happy because we didn’t win," but the potential for improvement remains as the team continues to adapt and evolve.