Roberto De Zerbi has admitted that finding “the right mentality” is the biggest challenge for his Tottenham team after they suffered a second consecutive Premier League defeat, losing 2-0 to Newcastle United. The head coach called for patience, both for his squad and for his high-profile signings, including £100m Sandro Tonali.
Spurs' second-half collapse
Tottenham dominated the first half but fell away after the break, allowing Newcastle to claim a deserved victory. Goals from Elanga and Wissa sealed the win for Matthias Jaissle's side. De Zerbi acknowledged that the outcome could have been different but stressed the need for time.
“It’s the biggest problem, it’s the biggest challenge and the biggest target is to find the right mentality,” De Zerbi said after the match. “You can’t find the right mentality in the transfer market. Football is a magical thing, you can change a lot of players and you can find the balance immediately or you need more time. I want to achieve this target as soon as possible … but I am in no doubt that we will reach it.”
Transfer requests and new signings
De Zerbi revealed that Richarlison and Kevin Danso have asked to leave the club this week, following Tottenham's additional signings of Savio and Omar Marmoush from Manchester City. “I love Danso and Richarlison, they are great guys but if they want to leave they have to bring the economic solution to the club and they can go and we find other players,” De Zerbi said.
Among the new arrivals, Tonali has faced the most scrutiny. Former Newcastle supporters booed his every touch and cheered when he was substituted shortly after Spurs conceded the opening goal. “Sandro is a crucial player that is not in the right, the best condition yet,” De Zerbi said. “But I love my players more today than if we had won. Because together we are rebuilding the club.”
Newcastle's impressive debutant
Jaissle praised Nico González, the £50m defensive midfielder signed partly to replace Tonali, who delivered a standout performance. González controlled the midfield in the second half and set up the opening goal with a 60-yard crossfield pass to Amar Dedic.
“It was a great debut,” said Jaissle. “It’s not easy for a player who is just showing after a transfer, there is a human being behind that. I really, really think he did amazing and we look forward to seeing more from him. Right now everything is top, everything is great with the team, but we don’t follow that too much. It’s a moment to enjoy but we’re also smart enough to see it’s a long, long journey in front of us.”
