De Zerbi learns cash alone can't fix Spurs' losing mentality

Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham Hotspur endured a 3‑0 defeat to Brentford on the Premier League opening day, a result that underlined that even a near‑£400m rebuild cannot cure a losing mentality. The loss at the Gtech Community Stadium highlighted the urgent need for a mental shift.

Survival achieved but doubts linger

De Zerbi has said his role is more psychologist than coach, having been given seven games in March to keep Spurs in the top flight. He managed to secure survival with a victory over Everton on the final day, after the club finished 17th in the Premier League for two consecutive seasons.

The match saw Brentford take the lead early, with Keane Lewis‑Potter scoring after 12 minutes and Vitaly Janelt doubling the advantage before half‑time. Michael Kayode completed the scoring in the 49th minute, while Igor Thiago struck the post with a penalty that offered no consolation.

New faces fail to spark revival

Four new signings – Andrew Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Sandro Tonali – made their debuts, yet none changed the outcome. Tonali arrived for £100m from Newcastle United, and Matheus Fernandes, bought for £85m from West Ham, entered as a substitute, while Brentford’s record buy Mamadou Sangare dominated the game.

De Zerbi told ’s : “Bad game. We lost and suffered the difference in the duels. It was the key of this game. We didn’t fight in the right way.” He added that the squad’s physical condition was not at the required level.

Fans entered the Gtech Community Stadium bursting with optimism, only to watch seats empty as early as the 49th minute. ReutersImage caption captured the despair, while PA Media noted rock star Jon Bon Jovi among the spectators.

Looking ahead, De Zerbi stressed the need to improve physical conditioning, organisation and pressing, insisting that more signings will not replace a cultural change. He concluded that the Spurs project must evolve beyond spending to restore belief.