Why the International Break Comes at a Tough Time for De Zerbi and Tottenham

Roberto de Zerbi faces a tough task managing Tottenham after the club spent around £400 million on new players this summer. This kind of investment is nearly unheard of at Spurs, a club usually cautious with spending. Fans’ hopes soared for a trophy challenge and a top-four finish, especially since the team barely escaped relegation two seasons running by finishing 17th twice.

Yet early performances have been underwhelming. It’s unfair to expect quick results given all the challenges involved in building a cohesive team from scratch. De Zerbi only took charge late last season and helped keep them up, so demanding instant success now ignores the realities of team-building.

De Zerbi Needs Time to Build the Team

Creating a winning side requires time both on the training ground and through bonding with players. Unfortunately, De Zerbi has had little opportunity so far, and now many players are away on international duty for three weeks, further delaying progress.

The manager is also contending with issues like poor home form and difficulty bouncing back after conceding first goals. Most pressing, though, is blending the many new arrivals with existing players into a unit that works well and justifies the hefty spending.

Patience is key. Back in the day, managers were allowed time to build teams and families. Now, some fans already question De Zerbi’s ability after just five league games, despite his proven track record elsewhere. His passion and style deserve a proper chance to flourish.

Building Player Combinations Takes Time

De Zerbi is ambitious and demands full support from the board, which he’s got. Yet assembling a team from many new faces isn’t straightforward. I’ve faced similar challenges myself, such as pairing two very different centre-backs who had to adapt their styles to work together effectively. That process took patience and plenty of training.

Some clubs keep a clear identity even when changing managers or losing players, helping newcomers fit in faster. Spurs lack that solid foundation right now, having brought in about 10 new signings all at once without a shared identity established. Each player adjusts differently, and adapting to De Zerbi’s demanding style will take time.

A full pre-season together might have sped things up, but Spurs didn’t get that luxury and kept signing players after the season started.

Understanding Players On and Off the Pitch

Coaching a team to function as one demands time and insight into each player’s strengths and weaknesses. De Zerbi missed chances to fully assess his squad before the season began, and the international break restricts working with everyone now.

He’s still learning about the characters he has, figuring out who values teamwork and who doesn’t. For example, I once replaced a high-profile full-back who refused to adjust his defensive positioning with a younger player who understood the team’s needs better.

Off the field, getting to know players’ lifestyles and backgrounds helps build trust and integration. When I managed South American players, taking them and their families out together earned respect and eased adjustment. Different cultures mean different routines, which can affect how quickly players settle.

I recall a Premier League player whose unusual daily schedule included long rest periods followed by late-night outings, yet his performances remained excellent. Understanding and respecting individual habits made a difference in helping him become part of the squad.

All these details matter in building a united team, and De Zerbi is navigating them while Spurs fans grow impatient.