Tottenham's Rocky Start Under Roberto De Zerbi Threatens European Qualification

Tottenham Hotspur entered the 2026-27 campaign with a sense of urgency that had been missing for years. After a dramatic survival on the final day of last season, the North London club turned to Roberto De Zerbi in March, hoping his attacking philosophy would lift them out of the relegation zone.

A costly gamble on De Zerbi

De Zerbi arrived with a reputation for progressive football, but his appointment came at a time when the club’s traditional fiscal caution, championed by chairman Daniel Levy, was finally being set aside. The decision to bring in a manager who prefers possession and high pressing signalled a new era, one that required investment to match the tactical demands.

Spurs’ early-season setbacks

The first test came at Brentford, where a makeshift line‑up was exposed by a well‑organised side. A 3-0 defeat highlighted a lack of cohesion and suggested that the squad was still adapting to De Zerbi’s ideas. The following week offered a chance to recover at home, but Newcastle’s disciplined approach resulted in a 2-0 loss that left Tottenham at the bottom of the Premier League table as the international break began.

The £175m spending spree under scrutiny

Since De Zerbi’s arrival, Spurs have poured a net £175m into the transfer market. The outlay was meant to provide the quality needed for a European push, yet the early results raise questions about whether the money has been allocated wisely. Critics point to a lack of balance in the squad, with several new signings still finding their footing in the Premier League’s physical environment.

What lies ahead for the North London side

With confidence shaken and the league table unforgiving, the next few fixtures will be decisive. De Zerbi must translate his tactical blueprint into results, while the players need to develop the chemistry that was missing in the opening games. The club’s willingness to spend suggests that further reinforcement could be on the cards, but any additional signings will have to integrate quickly if Tottenham hopes to climb out of the relegation zone.

For now, the promise of European qualification feels distant, and the pressure on De Zerbi and his squad is mounting. The coming weeks will reveal whether the investment will finally pay off or if Tottenham will endure another season of disappointment.