Spurs struggle under pressure as De Zerbi faces tough start at Brentford
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 8:16 PM
Last updated Aug 22, 2026

Tottenham Hotspur's season opening against Brentford shows their vulnerabilities, leading to a heavy defeat. Head coach Roberto De Zerbi, despite substantial investment in the squad, laments the team's lack of resilience and preparation. Spurs fell behind early with goals from Keane Lewis-Potter and Vitaly Janelt, only to see a potential penalty miss further add to their woes. De Zerbi's new acquisitions failed to make a significant impact. The match serves as a concerning opening to a season where Spurs aim to shake off past disappointments.
- •Spurs suffered a heavy defeat on the opening day against Brentford.
- •Roberto De Zerbi's squad features several new signings from significant transfers.
- •Brentford scored first in the 12th minute and quickly established a lead.
- •Spurs fans left early as their team struggled to compete.
- •De Zerbi highlighted physical conditioning issues among players after the World Cup.
- 8:16 PMYahoo Sports — De Zerbi learns cash alone cannot fix Spurs' losing mentality
- 8:16 PMBBC Sport — De Zerbi learns cash alone cannot fix Spurs' losing mentality
"Spurs head coach Roberto De Zerbi discovers cash is no cure for a losing mentality as they crash to a heavy defeat at Brentford, says chief football writer Phil McNulty.
"Spurs head coach Roberto De Zerbi discovers cash is no cure for a losing mentality as they crash to a heavy defeat at Brentford, says chief football writer Phil McNulty.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 22, 2026, 8:16 PMDe Zerbi learns cash alone cannot fix Spurs' losing mentality
Spurs head coach Roberto De Zerbi discovers cash is no cure for a losing mentality as they crash to a heavy defeat at Brentford, says chief football writer Phil McNulty.
- BBC SportAug 22, 2026, 8:16 PMDe Zerbi learns cash alone cannot fix Spurs' losing mentality
Spurs head coach Roberto De Zerbi discovers cash is no cure for a losing mentality as they crash to a heavy defeat at Brentford, says chief football writer Phil McNulty.
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