Roberto De Zerbi’s return to the touchline after his Marseille spell has taken a harsh early turn in England. Tottenham’s 3-2 home defeat to Aston Villa left the former OM coach with no win from five league matches and a squad he believes must show far more authority, defensive discipline and fitness.
The move
De Zerbi, previously in charge at Marseille, is now facing a difficult start at Tottenham. Saturday’s loss to Aston Villa placed Spurs in the relegation zone after two draws and three defeats from their opening five fixtures.
Tottenham had been 3-0 down with ten minutes remaining before reducing the deficit, but De Zerbi chose not to focus on the encouraging parts of his side’s first-half display.
“It is not true that everything is bad, but it is not enough,” he said after the match. The Italian accepted his own share of responsibility, while making clear that he was unhappy with elements of his players’ response.
He said Tottenham had controlled the opening period, played well and produced more opportunities, but turned his attention instead to the defensive failures that shaped the result.
De Zerbi was particularly frustrated by Villa’s second goal, which followed a long clearance from the opposing goalkeeper. He said the threat had been addressed repeatedly in team meetings and described conceding in that manner as unacceptable.
“We have to defend as a compact unit,” he said. “The leaders must lead and show the way to the team.”
The French season around it
For the coach who previously worked in Ligue 1 with Marseille, the criticism was unusually direct. Summer signing Mateus Fernandes was singled out after a performance De Zerbi said he did not like, adding that the midfielder needs to offer more.
The same demand was aimed at striker Dominic Solanke, while De Zerbi also questioned the physical condition of several members of his squad.
The approaching international break will take a number of players away from Tottenham, but the coach suggested that may be useful. Those leaving for their national teams, he said, need matches and work; those remaining must use the period to improve.
- James Maddison
- Conor Gallagher
- Dominic Solanke
- Tosin Adarabioyo
- Marcos Senesi
- Savio
De Zerbi named those players among the group expected to work harder during the break, saying he had not been satisfied with the team’s fitness level, including against Aston Villa. His next task is to turn that anger into a response before Tottenham’s winless opening becomes a deeper crisis.
