Vinai Venkatesham backs Roberto De Zerbi despite £300m spend and bottom‑place pressure

Tottenham Hotspur chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has publicly reaffirmed his support for head coach Roberto De Zerbi despite the club sitting rock‑bottom of the Premier League after five games and having spent more than £300million on ten new signings this summer.

Transfer spending and squad overhaul

The summer window saw approximately 35 first‑team transactions, including arrivals, departures and renewals, according to minutes of the Fan Advisory Board meeting. Contract extensions were secured for senior players Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro, reflecting belief in the revamped squad. Venkatesham noted that the squad was strengthened with a focus on quality, character and physical robustness, blending Premier League experience with younger talent.

"The window had involved approximately 35 first‑team transactions (incomings, outgoings and renewals)," the minutes recorded. He added that the club must continue to sell players at the right time to stay within profit and sustainability rules, signalling that fans should not expect any huge incomings in the January window.

On‑field performance and future outlook

Tottenham’s fortunes have not improved, with the side currently at the foot of the table and already knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Liverpool. The first two league goals of the season came in a 3‑2 defeat to Aston Villa, and the team has created plenty of chances without scoring in draws against Nottingham Forest and Everton, as well as a loss to Newcastle.

"Vinai Venkatesham expressed confidence in Roberto De Zerbi, in the players brought in and in the changes made, noting the considerable work underway behind the scenes," the meeting minutes state. He also said, "The club had made significant changes over the summer, both on and off the pitch, and recognised that these might take time to take full effect."

Venkatesham acknowledged the disappointment at the current points total, recognising the frustration this caused supporters following the previous campaign. "Supporter backing, home and away, had been excellent and was not taken for granted. He acknowledged that the club must earn supporters’ belief through results," the minutes added.

Financially, the club has not recorded a profit since 2019, with rising costs from wages and transfer fees. The Premier League limits squad costs to up to 85 percent of revenue, while UEFA imposes a stricter 70 percent cap and a three‑year profitability test, both of which shape Tottenham’s investment strategy.

Looking ahead, Tottenham return to Premier League action on 10 October when they travel to Manchester United in search of their first three points of the campaign.