Tottenham struggles in defeat to Brentford amid mental challenges
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 6:50 AM
Last updated Aug 24, 2026

Tottenham faced a disappointing defeat at Brentford on August 23, struggling to establish control in the match. Manager Roberto de Zerbi admitted that his role required more psychological support than coaching. Despite significant financial investment in players, including £100m signing Sandro Tonali, the team's lack of resilience and heart raised concerns. De Zerbi's challenge remains to instill mental strength in the squad as they seek to avoid repeating last season's struggles.
- •Tottenham lost to Brentford on August 23.
- •Manager Roberto de Zerbi emphasized a psychological focus.
- •Sandro Tonali was outperformed despite his £100m transfer.
- •Brentford was aggressive, exposing Tottenham's weaknesses.
- •De Zerbi must boost players' mental resilience moving forward.
- 6:50 AMYahoo Sports — More than a huge transfer fund needed to give a team mental strength
"Roberto de Zerbi, by his own admission, confirmed his role was more psychologist than coach when he was given seven games to keep Tottenham in the top flight following his appointment in March. The Italian has been handed vast funds for a host of new players to ensure Spurs do not suffer a repeat of the nightmare campaign. Saturday's dreadful defeat at Brentford was not the start he or the Spurs power brokers envisaged.
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