Roberto De Zerbi believes Tottenham deserved far more from their game against Newcastle, despite walking away with a disappointing result.
The Spurs boss conceded there’s still work to do defensively, but felt the scoreline didn’t reflect how the match actually went. Speaking to the BBC afterwards, he made clear he was frustrated with the outcome while refusing to point fingers at his players.
“We can improve in the defensive phases but today was an unfair result,” he said. “We are disappointed with the result because, until the first goal we conceded, we played better than Newcastle.”
De Zerbi also sympathised with the fans who’d hoped for a stronger show, but stressed his squad are still building the cohesion needed to compete at a high level consistently. “We are disappointed for the result and for our fans. We are working to be a great team,” he said. “When we become a team, we can change the story of the last two seasons for Tottenham.”
Despite the setback, he was adamant there’s no cause for alarm within the camp, insisting the players should stay focused on the training ground work and building better understanding on the pitch rather than letting the result dent their confidence. “Forget the result. I am not angry, we are working well and were unlucky today with the result,” he added. “There is no panic. I know where we are going and what the plan is. I’m sorry for the fans for the result. We have to improve. We have to work hard on the pitch and find the connection between the players.”
His comments point to real belief in the long-term project, even if the result will raise eyebrows among the fanbase. Patience and hard graft, in his view, are what’s needed to turn things around after two tough seasons — with defensive solidity, squad chemistry and consistency now top of his priority list.
Tottenham get the chance to bounce back on Saturday, September 5, when they travel to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest, with fans hoping for a real response.
