Key Points
- Timetable Outlined: Brighton & Hove Albion defender Adam Webster has stated that it could take several months for Roberto De Zerbi’s tactical methods to fully bed in at Tottenham Hotspur.
- Premier League Struggles: Tottenham currently sit rock bottom of the Premier League table, having collected just two points from their opening five league fixtures.
- Pressure Mounting: De Zerbi, who replaced Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor in late March, faces growing pressure despite receiving significant financial backing during the summer transfer window.
- Tactical Patience Urged: Webster, who played under De Zerbi at Brighton, emphasized that the Italian’s intricate positional system requires substantial time and repetition before players can execute it seamlessly.
Tottenham (North London News) September 25, 2026 – Brighton & Hove Albion central defender Adam Webster has offered crucial context regarding the ongoing tactical transition at Tottenham Hotspur, warning that it may take several months before head coach Roberto De Zerbi’s preferred playing style clicks in North London.
Tottenham Hotspur currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League standings after failing to secure a single victory in their opening five league fixtures of the campaign. The club’s sluggish start has intensified scrutiny around De Zerbi, who was appointed at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in late March following the dismissals of previous head coaches Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor.
As reported by Sky Sports, speaking on the adjustment period required to master De Zerbi’s precise methodology, Adam Webster stated: “It’s a process!” The defender, who previously played under the Italian during his tenure at the Amex Stadium, backed his former manager to ultimately succeed at Tottenham despite the club’s current predicament.
Tottenham Hotspur’s difficult beginning to the season has left them with just two points from five matches, scoring two goals and conceding eight. The North London club went into the international break following a 3-2 defeat against Aston Villa, a result that drew visible frustration from the head coach and audible dissatisfaction from supporters.
As reported by The Guardian, following the defeat against Aston Villa, Roberto De Zerbi stated:
“I am very disappointed, sad and frustrated for the performance. We can’t lose the game in this way, we can’t concede the second goal, we can’t lose balance just because we are losing.”
Why are Tottenham Hotspur struggling to adapt to De Zerbi’s methods?
The transition to De Zerbi’s possession-heavy, risk-reward system requires deep positional understanding and complete buy-in from the squad. During his time at Brighton, De Zerbi built an attacking framework predicated on drawing opposition pressure before exploiting vacated space in central areas. However, implementing these intricate patterns at Tottenham has proven challenging amidst squad transitions and early-season pressure.
According to match coverage by 101 Great Goals, Tottenham Hotspur have generated an expected goals (xG) figure of 4.47 across their opening five fixtures but have only managed to find the back of the net twice. Despite averaging 60.4% possession and recording 71 shots, Spurs have suffered from open-play inefficiency, registering just 2.22 xG from open play across their initial four games.
As reported by The Guardian, Roberto De Zerbi noted after recent performances that his side appeared “too fragile” in both their physical condition and mental approach, highlighting that key players returning from injuries and late arrivals during the summer transfer window restricted the effectiveness of their pre-season preparation.
Tottenham invested heavily ahead of the campaign, spending a net figure exceeding £175 million to bolster the squad around De Zerbi’s tactical requirements. However, integration has been slow, and the team remains vulnerable when matches become open and unstructured.
How did Roberto De Zerbi perform at Brighton and Tottenham previously?
Roberto De Zerbi initially established his reputation in the Premier League during a successful stint at Brighton & Hove Albion, where he led the Seagulls to a historic European qualification. During his time on the South Coast, players like Adam Webster frequently lauded his obsessive tactical focus and passion for the game.
Adam Webster previously reflected on his experience working under the Italian, stating:
“Our current boss, Mr De Zerbi, is a genius. I’ll never tire of saying it. I’ve learned more from him than I ever thought possible. I’ve never worked with anyone who has a passion for football like this man does.”
De Zerbi arrived at Tottenham Hotspur in March 2026, taking over a club in danger of relegation following a turbulent period under Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor. In his final seven games of the 2025-26 Premier League season, De Zerbi secured 11 points—including three wins and two draws—guaranteeing top-flight safety on the final day of the season with a 1-0 victory over Everton.
Despite that initial bounce, the 2026-27 season has started far below expectations, leaving Spurs bottom of the division as they prepare for a challenging series of domestic fixtures.
Background of the particular development after the news
Tottenham Hotspur’s current turmoil follows a tumultuous period of managerial instability and structural changes. After departing from their longstanding fiscal caution under the board, Tottenham made substantial commitments in the transfer market to back De Zerbi following his rescue job at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
Having finished 17th in back-to-back seasons, the expectation within North London was that a full pre-season under De Zerbi, combined with significant squad overhaul, would trigger an immediate return toward European contention. However, lingering injuries, delayed summer arrivals, and structural deficiencies on the pitch have prevented the squad from displaying consistency. Furthermore, early-season results against Brentford, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa have heightened anxiety among the fanbase, triggering vocal criticism during recent home fixtures.
Prediction: How this development can affect Tottenham Hotspur supporters and stakeholders
If Adam Webster’s timeline holds true and Tottenham Hotspur require several months to fully internalize De Zerbi’s tactical system, the club’s board, players, and supporters face a testing autumn period.
For the Tottenham fanbase, a prolonged adoption phase risks compounding the frustration built up over consecutive disappointing league finishes. If results do not improve prior to the mid-season schedule, matchday atmospheres could become increasingly hostile, placing further mental strain on a squad already described by its manager as fragile.
For the club management and board, holding firm to a long-term tactical vision while sitting in the bottom half of the table will test their resolve. Should board members decide to maintain patience in line with Webster’s assessment, they will need to absorb short-term pressure and potential loss of commercial momentum. Conversely, if results fail to stabilize before the tactical system clicks, the board may face pressure to intervene, potentially triggering further managerial instability and resetting the squad’s development cycle once again.
