Tottenham suffer defeat in season opener
Roberto De Zerbi accused his Tottenham players of lacking fight and admitted they are “not a team” after their new Premier League season began with a chastening 3-0 defeat at Brentford, reports BritPanorama.
The loss at the Gtech Community Stadium was a reminder of the challenges facing the Italian manager, as Spurs arrived with ambitions of a fresh start following a narrow escape from relegation last season. More than £300 million is expected to be invested in rebuilding De Zerbi’s squad this summer.
Goals from Keane Lewis-Potter, Vitaly Janelt and Michael Kayode condemned Tottenham to a comprehensive defeat, with Brentford demonstrating superior physicality and consistently outmaneuvering their opponents in loose ball situations.
De Zerbi expressed dissatisfaction with his team’s performance, particularly in terms of aggression. “We are not a team yet for a lot of reasons,” he stated. “Before you become a team you can’t say what you can do. We are not in the right physical condition for a lot of reasons.”
The Spurs boss noted that challenges, such as late returns from players participating in the World Cup, should not be used as an excuse. Despite the setback, he maintains confidence in his squad, emphasizing the need for improvement. “We could fight stronger than we did today. We lost too many duels today,” he remarked, highlighting areas that need urgent attention.
Several players made their debuts, including Andy Robertson, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Mateus Fernandes, and Sandro Tonali, suggesting a reshaped lineup aimed at revitalizing the team. Further reinforcements are likely, with Spurs reportedly closing in on Manchester City attackers Omar Marmoush and Savinho.
De Zerbi cautioned that simply acquiring high-profile signings will not rectify Tottenham’s issues. “You can’t become a team from the transfer market on paper. You become a team when the players find a connection, a spirit, a soul. It’s a project,” he said.
For Brentford, the victory marked an emphatic opening statement in Keith Andrews’ second campaign in charge. Summer signing Mamadou Sangaré, who joined from Lens for £39 million, was notably impressive, drawing commendations from Andrews, who expressed satisfaction with the club’s efforts to secure such talent.
As the season unfolds, Tottenham faces a critical period of introspection and development, while Brentford celebrates a promising start that sets a positive tone for the months ahead. It’s a stark reminder of the nuances that define a successful football campaign; often, it takes more than just financial investment to forge a cohesive unit on the pitch.
