Tottenham Hotspur have endured a difficult opening to the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, with the Lilywhites sitting 18th after their first three matches.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side are still searching for their first league victory and have yet to find the back of the net, leaving supporters frustrated by their slow start.
However, former Tottenham defender Sebastien Bassong believes there is no reason for Spurs fans to panic just yet.
Bassong backs De Zerbi to turn things around
Speaking to Premier Bet, Bassong explained why he remains optimistic about Tottenham despite their disappointing beginning to the season. He also pointed to the biggest challenge facing De Zerbi as he attempts to turn a collection of new players into a united and competitive team.
According to Bassong, De Zerbi’s ability to build personal relationships with his players could prove extremely important. He highlighted how the Italian previously had to manage Spurs through a difficult situation where connecting with the players on a personal level was more important than tactical details.
Bassong said the major question now is whether De Zerbi can create a strong team and establish genuine unity within the squad.
He believes the manager’s biggest strength is his ability to understand and connect with players as people, something that could help him successfully introduce his footballing philosophy to the new-look Tottenham squad.
Bassong also acknowledged that the situation is now completely different from last season. De Zerbi has since been given the opportunity to bring in the players he wanted, meaning expectations are higher and the responsibility to build a cohesive squad now rests firmly on his shoulders.
Tottenham players reportedly happy with De Zerbi
Bassong also revealed that he has spoken with some Tottenham players about their new manager and claimed that the squad has responded positively to De Zerbi since his arrival.
The former Spurs defender explained that modern players can be highly emotional and often respond better to managers who are capable of connecting with them on a personal level.
He believes this is where De Zerbi could have a major advantage.
Bassong suggested that if De Zerbi can establish a strong relationship with his players, it will make it much easier for them to understand and execute his tactical ideas.
Having spent considerable time around Tottenham’s training ground during the summer, Bassong said he had seen signs that the players were genuinely pleased with their relationship with the manager.
He did, however, admit that results and circumstances could change those feelings in the coming weeks.
For now, though, Bassong remains convinced that De Zerbi has already made a positive impression on the Tottenham squad and believes Spurs supporters should give the manager and his players more time to find their rhythm.
