Key Points

• Former Tottenham midfielder David Ginola has described Spurs’ start to the Premier League season as “not acceptable”.
• Spurs sit rock bottom of the Premier League table in 20th position with just three points from six matches.
• Roberto De Zerbi’s authority is under heavy scrutiny, with Ginola questioning whether squad members respect or understand the head coach.
• Scoring woes continue as Tottenham have managed just three goals in six games—the second-lowest output at this stage in their entire history.
• A crucial fixture against Coventry City on Monday night is being viewed as a pivotal moment for De Zerbi’s tenure.
• Fitness updates reveal Dejan Kulusevski’s return alongside a 11-player missing list for the upcoming fixture.

North London (North London News) October 19, 2026 – Former Tottenham Hotspur winger David Ginola has launched a scathing assessment of the club’s dismal start to the campaign, questioning whether current head coach Roberto De Zerbi retains the respect and buy-in of his playing squad ahead of a crucial Premier League fixture against Coventry City.

As reported by journalists at Football London, Tottenham enter their Monday evening encounter sitting rock bottom of the Premier League table, having accumulated a meager three points from their opening six fixtures. The north London club’s struggles in front of goal have exacerbated their plight, with a tally of just three goals scored—representing the second-lowest goal return at this stage of a league campaign in the club’s entire historical record. Although an encouraging 1-1 draw against Manchester United last weekend showed signs of tactical improvement, it failed to halt the winless run or lift Tottenham out of the relegation zone.

The mounting scrutiny surrounding De Zerbi arrives despite an initial positive impact when taking the reins late last season. However, speaking directly to Football London, Ginola warned that tactical competence alone will not rescue Spurs unless the squad fully commits to the Italian manager’s philosophy and instructions.

What did David Ginola say regarding Roberto De Zerbi and Tottenham Hotspur’s current squad?

As reported by Football London, Ginola stated that while De Zerbi possesses unquestionable tactical quality, the primary responsibility for reversing Tottenham’s fortunes rests with the commitment of the players on the pitch.

In his interview with Football London, Ginola stated:

“I hope for him. I followed him when he was manager at Marseille. He’s got quality. There’s no doubt about it. But the players need to follow. The words he’s saying in the dressing room, the things he’s trying to put on the pitch tactically, it’s very important.”

Ginola continued by raising explicit concerns over whether the squad is taking De Zerbi’s tactical directions aboard, stating:

“Most of all, the energy you put in the game, in training. What you’re doing in training, you get it in the game on a Saturday. I don’t know what the situation is right now in the dressing room. Does he get the respect from the players? Do the players listen to what he’s saying? I’m not sure about that.”

Emphasising the gravity of Tottenham’s current table position, Ginola told Football London:

“This is a key thing for Spurs. De Zerbi needs to be understood by the players. He needs to put pressure on the players for the importance of you playing for Spurs. You need to put more on the football pitch week in, week out. It’s vital. To see the table like that with no wins, zero wins, it’s not acceptable.”

Concluding his assessment, Ginola placed accountability on both management and squad members, stating to Football London:

“I think everyone is responsible, starting with the manager. But most of all, the players. If they respect themselves, they need to do more. They need to add more.”

How are team selection and squad availability affecting Tottenham’s form?

Ahead of the Monday night match against Coventry City, De Zerbi’s tactical options continue to be heavily impacted by squad availability. As reported across UK media outlets, up to 11 players are sidelined or undergoing late fitness tests.

As reported by George Sessions of the Press Association, De Zerbi addressed squad dynamics and team culture following a four-night warm-weather training camp in Marbella. De Zerbi confirmed that while specific focus was placed on team bonding—including banning mobile phones during group meals—he eschewed strict discipline, stating:

“We had two or three important meetings speaking about football, our situation and how everyone has to take responsibility. And nothing more… Asked if players were able to go out independently in Marbella, De Zerbi said: ‘Yes, with freedom. With no military rules. I love freedom.'”

Furthermore, regarding player recovery and selection, De Zerbi highlighted the return of key attackers. As reported by Sessions, De Zerbi stated:

“Kulusevski was a very important player… Right now he [Maddison] is ready to start the game, but I don’t know if we will start with him. I’m waiting for that moment.”

Background of the particular development

Roberto De Zerbi was appointed as head coach of Tottenham Hotspur on 31 March 2026 following previous managerial stints at Brighton & Hove Albion and Olympique de Marseille. Upon his arrival late in the 2025–26 season, De Zerbi successfully steered Tottenham away from a turbulent finish, leading squad members such as Conor Gallagher and James Maddison to publicly praise his tactical intervention.

Despite significant summer investment exceeding £380 million in new signings, Tottenham have experienced one of their worst starts to a top-flight season in modern history. Through six matches of the 2026–27 Premier League season, Spurs remain winless with three draws and three defeats, placing them 20th in the standings behind 16th-placed Coventry City. Attack-side efficiency has proven to be a central issue, compounded by persistent injuries to prominent stars including Dejan Kulusevski, Xavi Simons, and Savio.

Prediction: How this development can affect Tottenham Hotspur supporters and key stakeholders

The fallout from Tottenham’s poor opening sequence and the public questioning of player commitment by figures like David Ginola creates direct consequences for Tottenham Hotspur supporters, board executives, and the squad itself.

For the match-going supporters, prolonged stay in the bottom three amplifies frustration surrounding squad unity and ROI on summer transfers. If De Zerbi fails to secure a decisive victory against Coventry City, fan pressure on the board is expected to escalate rapidly.

For club management and decision-makers, a failure to turn around results in the immediate fixtures will force a critical evaluation of De Zerbi’s long-term tenure. Should squad discontent or tactical disconnect persist, the executive hierarchy may face forced intervention before the mid-season point to preserve Premier League status and protect their substantial financial investments.