More than style of play, Tottenham need to change their mentality: Roberto de Zerbi
Roberto De Zerbi urges mentality shift at Tottenham after defeat to Sunderland extends winless run to 14 games, leaving Spurs in deep relegation trouble with six matches remaining.
Roberto De Zerbi admitted that changing the mentality of his struggling Tottenham Hotspur side will be far more important than tactical overhauls after his first game in charge ended in a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland.
The loss, which came at the Stadium of Light, extended Tottenham’s winless run in the Premier League to 14 matches and left them languishing in 18th place. With just six games remaining, Spurs are now staring at the real possibility of relegation for the first time since 1977.
De Zerbi, who replaced Igor Tudor after his brief 44-day stint in charge, acknowledged that there is little time left in the season to implement sweeping changes to the team’s playing style. Instead, the Italian manager stressed that rebuilding belief and confidence within the squad will be key to their survival hopes.
“My job is not now to change the style of play. I did two or three things with the ball, two or three things without the ball, but the crucial part is not with the ball or without the ball. It’s in our mentality to be positive,” De Zerbi said after the match.
Despite showing glimpses of fight, Tottenham once again lacked the cutting edge required at this level. They have managed just one point from their last eight matches, a run that has dragged them deep into the relegation zone. After 32 games, Spurs sit on 30 points, two behind West Ham United in 17th place.
De Zerbi insisted that unity and belief within the group will be essential in the coming weeks. “We have to find the right energy, the right spirit. When they stay with me during the week, they will find a positive coach because I believe in them,” he said, adding that the players may be struggling mentally under the pressure of their current situation.
Tottenham’s problems were compounded by an injury scare to captain Cristian Romero, who left the pitch in tears after a collision with goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky. The incident occurred shortly after Sunderland took the lead through a deflected effort from Nordi Mukiele.
With a crucial clash against Brighton & Hove Albion up next, De Zerbi faces a race against time to lift both the performance levels and morale of a team desperate to avoid the drop.
Roberto De Zerbi admitted that changing the mentality of his struggling Tottenham Hotspur side will be far more important than tactical overhauls after his first game in charge ended in a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland.
The loss, which came at the Stadium of Light, extended Tottenham’s winless run in the Premier League to 14 matches and left them languishing in 18th place. With just six games remaining, Spurs are now staring at the real possibility of relegation for the first time since 1977.
De Zerbi, who replaced Igor Tudor after his brief 44-day stint in charge, acknowledged that there is little time left in the season to implement sweeping changes to the team’s playing style. Instead, the Italian manager stressed that rebuilding belief and confidence within the squad will be key to their survival hopes.
“My job is not now to change the style of play. I did two or three things with the ball, two or three things without the ball, but the crucial part is not with the ball or without the ball. It’s in our mentality to be positive,” De Zerbi said after the match.
Despite showing glimpses of fight, Tottenham once again lacked the cutting edge required at this level. They have managed just one point from their last eight matches, a run that has dragged them deep into the relegation zone. After 32 games, Spurs sit on 30 points, two behind West Ham United in 17th place.
De Zerbi insisted that unity and belief within the group will be essential in the coming weeks. “We have to find the right energy, the right spirit. When they stay with me during the week, they will find a positive coach because I believe in them,” he said, adding that the players may be struggling mentally under the pressure of their current situation.
Tottenham’s problems were compounded by an injury scare to captain Cristian Romero, who left the pitch in tears after a collision with goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky. The incident occurred shortly after Sunderland took the lead through a deflected effort from Nordi Mukiele.
With a crucial clash against Brighton & Hove Albion up next, De Zerbi faces a race against time to lift both the performance levels and morale of a team desperate to avoid the drop.
