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

Tottenham Hotspur spent around £400 million on new players this summer, a move that caught many off guard given the club's usual cautious approach. This level of investment raised fans' hopes for a strong challenge in the league and a shot at trophies, especially since Spurs narrowly escaped relegation twice before. But the early season results have fallen short, leaving some supporters frustrated.

It’s understandable to expect quick success after such spending, yet building a cohesive team isn't instant. Roberto De Zerbi took charge late last season with just seven games left and managed to keep Spurs up with three wins and two draws. Now, he faces the huge task of blending many new arrivals into a functioning unit.

Time Is What De Zerbi Needs Most

Managers must spend time both on the training ground and off it to forge a team. Unfortunately, De Zerbi hasn't had much uninterrupted time with his squad. The international break has taken key players away for three weeks, further delaying his chance to instill his methods.

Besides integrating new signings, De Zerbi is also wrestling with Tottenham’s struggles at home and their tendency to falter after conceding first. His main challenge remains turning a group of individuals into a team that delivers results, justifying the large outlay.

In previous eras, managers were granted time to build not only a team but a family within the club. Today, fans sometimes lose patience quickly—some already label De Zerbi as the worst manager despite his proven track record elsewhere. His passion and clear approach deserve a genuine opportunity.

Finding Chemistry Among New Faces

De Zerbi is known for demanding total commitment and expects full backing from the club’s leadership, which he has. Yet assembling a successful side from so many different players takes longer than expected. It involves finding the right combinations that work well together on the pitch.

Tony Pulis recalls his experience at Stoke, where pairing two very different centre-backs required careful adjustment and plenty of training until they functioned as one unit. Such harmony doesn’t come overnight.

Some clubs like Sunderland or Brighton may start well despite heavy squad changes because they maintain a clear identity. Tottenham lacks that established base currently. Bringing in ten new players at once creates complexity. Each player needs time to adjust—not just to a new environment but also to the demands of a manager who pushes hard.

This process would have been smoother with a full preseason together, but Spurs missed that, and even after the season started, they kept signing players.

Building Teamwork Takes Patience

De Zerbi hasn’t had the luxury to settle his squad fully before the season began. Without a settled group, he missed crucial chances to impose his style and values from the start. He wants to be hands-on, leading drills and tactics personally, but the international break means he can’t work with everyone now.

He also needs time to understand existing players better. Knowing who embraces teamwork and who resists is essential to fixing problems. Pulis shares a story about replacing a full-back who wouldn’t accept tactical advice with a younger player who prioritized the team over himself.

Off-Pitch Connections Matter Too

Understanding players’ characters and lifestyles helps managers create unity. Pulis mentions his time managing South American players at West Brom, where inviting them and their families out built trust and respect.

Players come from diverse backgrounds and adapt differently. One Premier League player Pulis knew had an unusual daily routine involving late nights out, yet performed at top levels on the field. Integrating such individuals requires patience and personal engagement.

Getting to know each player’s personality and making an effort off the field remain vital parts of building a strong team culture.