Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has expressed confidence that his team will improve this season, despite a worrying goalless start and a fresh injury to winger Mykhailo Mudryk. Speaking ahead of Saturday's Premier League home match against Everton, De Zerbi insisted the squad is stronger than the one that narrowly avoided relegation last term, even as pressure mounts following a summer spending spree exceeding £300 million.
Summer overhaul and early struggles
Tottenham's owners have invested heavily to reshape the squad, bringing in Premier League-proven players such as Sandro Tonali and Jan Paul van Hecke for significant fees, alongside free transfers Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson to bolster a defence that has been vulnerable in recent seasons. The midfield has been upgraded with Tonali and Mateus Fernandes replacing Joao Palhinha and Pape Matar Sarr, aiming to implement De Zerbi's complex tactical approach.
However, the attack has raised questions. Omar Marmoush, who scored three Premier League goals for Manchester City last season, will cost £60 million at the end of this campaign regardless of his performances. Savio, while full of potential, struggled for game time under Pep Guardiola, and Mykhailo Mudryk has yet to prove his fitness after missing extensive time.
Mudryk injury adds to concerns
Mudryk sustained what De Zerbi called a 'stupid' injury—a blow to his left ankle in training—after making his first competitive appearance since 2024. The Ukrainian winger has been pictured wearing a protective boot. De Zerbi explained, 'He felt pain in his ankle, and then after two days he made the medical check, and we knew the problem. Stupid injury, but we are not stupid. We knew when we signed Mudryk, we knew it could be difficult to come back as a normal player.'
The club's recruitment strategy has focused on players with Premier League experience, a trend seen across the league this summer. Yet, with no goals scored in the opening matches, concerns are growing about the effectiveness of the new-look lineup.
De Zerbi remains confident
In his pre-match press conference on Friday, De Zerbi said, 'I think we are better than last season. Especially the end of the season, [we had] many, many injuries. It's difficult to believe right now because we are not winning, we are not scoring, but I am positive because I believe in my players, I believe in this group. The players have big, big qualities, big potential and now I am positive.'
He added, 'In Nottingham I watched something different than in Brentford for sure, and Newcastle was a particular game because until an hour of the game I think we deserved to win and then we lost two nil.'
Patience and precedent
For Spurs fans, patience may be key. Similar rebuilds have succeeded under managers like Unai Emery at Aston Villa and Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, who were given time to mould their squads. De Zerbi's most successful stint came at Brighton, a well-run club, but the Premier League has since adapted to counter his style.
Still, there is reason for optimism. If the injury crisis that plagued previous seasons can be managed, the squad possesses enough quality to compete for European places. A goal or two against Everton would help ease concerns, but another blank could make his five-year contract look like a costly gamble.
