Why the International Break Hits Roberto De Zerbi and Tottenham at the Worst Moment

Tottenham Hotspur invested around £400 million on new players this summer, signaling big ambitions but also creating hurdles for manager Roberto De Zerbi. It's like buying an outfit with mismatched pieces; spending a lot doesn’t always guarantee harmony on the pitch.

The club had narrowly avoided relegation in the last two seasons, finishing 17th twice. Despite that, expectations soared among fans, hoping for trophies and a top-four finish. The early season results have been underwhelming, but patience is crucial given the circumstances.

Building a Team Takes Time and Interaction

Managers need time to work with their squads both on the field and off it. Yet De Zerbi’s squad has been split up as players head off on international duty for three weeks, further limiting his chance to build cohesion.

Spurs are struggling with poor home form and difficulty bouncing back after conceding first, but De Zerbi’s biggest test is blending new signings with existing players into a functioning team that justifies the huge spending.

"In my day, we were given time to create a team and a family. Today, time seems more limited than ever," said Tony Pulis, reflecting on the challenges faced by modern managers.

Some Spurs fans are quick to judge after only five games, but De Zerbi’s past achievements suggest he deserves more trust and time.

Why New Player Combinations Need Patience

De Zerbi demands full commitment and support from his board, which he has received. Still, assembling a group of individuals into a cohesive team takes time.

Tony Pulis recalls his own experience at Stoke, where pairing two very different centre-halves required extensive training until they functioned as one defensive unit. Such adjustments don’t happen overnight.

Clubs like Sunderland or Brighton might settle quickly because they maintain a consistent identity, even when managers or players change. Tottenham lacks that stable foundation, making it harder to integrate so many new signings simultaneously.

Each player adapts at their own pace to a new environment and a demanding coach like De Zerbi. A full pre-season together would have helped, but Spurs kept signing players even after the season began.

Assessing Teamwork and Player Mindsets

Coaching a team involves understanding who values teamwork and who struggles with it. De Zerbi has been playing catch-up, missing the chance to set his principles before the season started due to incomplete squads.

Pulis shares a story about replacing a high-profile right-back who resisted defensive instructions with a young reserve who grasped the team-first mentality, showing how crucial attitude is.

Off the pitch, knowing players' personalities matters too. Pulis recalls bonding with South American players and their families to build respect and trust, aiding integration.

Different cultures mean varying lifestyles, which affect how quickly players settle. One Premier League player had a late-night lifestyle but still delivered excellent performances after some time adjusting.

Personal connections can help isolated players become valued team members, a process requiring effort from the manager beyond tactics.

Tony Pulis emphasized, "Finding out about players as individuals and making personal contact was vital in managing them effectively."