Why Tottenham’s International Break Could Hamper De Zerbi’s Team Building

Tottenham Hotspur’s manager, Roberto De Zerbi, faces a tough challenge as his team enters a long international break without a Premier League win this season. After spending heavily on new players during the summer, Spurs have struggled to find form, and this pause in the schedule may slow down efforts to gel the squad.

The club invested around £400 million on about 10 new signings, a huge outlay compared to previous seasons. This has raised fans’ hopes for a top-four finish or a trophy push. But with so many new faces, De Zerbi needs time to build a team that works well together – not just a group of individuals.

One big problem is that many players have been away on international duty, including some who arrived late or missed pre-season training. This means De Zerbi hasn’t had enough time on the training ground to shape the team’s style and get players comfortable with each other.

De Zerbi has publicly acknowledged issues with his squad’s fitness and confidence. Injuries during a pre-season tour and delayed returns from the World Cup have left some players behind in preparation. The manager is also dealing with poor home form and a tendency for Spurs to lose games after conceding first.

The international break removes weeks of possible team training and match experience, which could have helped the new signings settle. While this pause might give injured or less-fit players a chance to recover, it also means the manager cannot work with the full squad as a unit.

De Zerbi’s approach demands commitment and teamwork, which takes time to develop. Some fans are already frustrated, but experts say it’s too soon to judge the project harshly. The manager himself is focusing on steady improvement and believes the team will start winning once they overcome their current hurdles.

Tottenham’s early results included losses to Brentford and Newcastle, draws with Nottingham Forest and Everton, and a narrow home defeat to Aston Villa, where the team finally scored their first league goals of the season. The league has described the start as Spurs’ worst after five matches in recent memory.

Ultimately, the extended international break is a setback for De Zerbi’s plans to build a cohesive, winning team. Supporters will hope the time off does more good than harm when the Premier League resumes.