Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly not considering Roberto De Zerbi’s dismissal at this stage, despite the club’s disappointing beginning to the Premier League season.
Spurs narrowly avoided relegation last season before investing more than £300 million in a major squad rebuild during the summer. The expectation was that the new-look team, under De Zerbi, would help the club move away from last season’s struggles.
However, Tottenham have yet to win after four league matches, collecting only two points. Their latest setback came on Saturday when they were held to a goalless draw by Everton at home. The result was greeted by boos from sections of the Spurs support and immediately increased speculation over De Zerbi’s future.
Despite the growing frustration, Tottenham’s hierarchy is reportedly not preparing to make an immediate change in the dugout. The club believes the extensive squad changes, combined with several players being unavailable, have contributed to the slow start.
Tottenham Still Back De Zerbi
Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke reports that Tottenham remain behind De Zerbi and are willing to give him more time to improve the team.
O’Rourke acknowledged that two points from the opening four matches represents a poor return and that no Premier League manager can continue indefinitely without results. However, he believes De Zerbi has earned some patience after helping Tottenham survive last season.
The new arrivals also need time to adapt to their surroundings and build an understanding with their teammates. De Zerbi reportedly remains confident that he can turn the situation around and believes he still has the support of the club’s board.
For now, Tottenham appear determined to avoid making an emotional or rushed decision regarding the manager’s position.
De Zerbi Identifies Mental Barrier
Following the Everton stalemate, De Zerbi suggested that Tottenham’s biggest problem could partly be psychological.
The Italian manager used the term “sbloccarsi,” which refers to breaking through or freeing themselves from a mental block. With Spurs having gone four matches without a victory or a goal, De Zerbi believes the lack of confidence has begun affecting his players.
Nevertheless, he remains convinced that Tottenham possess enough quality to score and win games.
De Zerbi also pointed out that, apart from players such as Solanke and Marmoush, many members of his squad have not traditionally been prolific goalscorers. Because of that, he believes Tottenham must find goals collectively through their overall attacking play rather than depending on one or two individuals.
For the moment, Tottenham’s leadership appears prepared to give De Zerbi the opportunity to solve the problems on the pitch rather than immediately replacing him.
