The Italian manager faced questions after his side’s poor start to the new campaign at the home of the Bees, where they were comfortably beaten on the opening weekend.
Brentford took the lead midway through the first half when Sangare found space in the Tottenham area and supplied Lewis-Potter, who finished with ease.
Tottenham’s problems stemmed from Bergvall’s error in possession, which allowed Jensen to strike towards goal, with Kinsky unable to keep the ball out and Janelt on hand to convert from close range.
The hosts wrapped up the victory early in the second period when Sangare’s effort was parried by Kinsky and Kayode was left with the simplest of tasks to find the net.
Brentford were awarded a spot kick when Bentancur felled Schade inside the area, though Thiago struck the woodwork with his effort and the ball bounced away to safety.
Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold was present at the Gtech Community Stadium to pose questions to the head coach following the loss.
The Italian acknowledged his side never managed to impose themselves on the contest, citing multiple factors. He insisted the squad has not yet developed into a cohesive unit and that establishing such unity takes precedence over setting objectives.
The physical condition of the squad is not where it needs to be, with players arriving late following international commitments and preparations in Australia being complicated by logistical challenges. However, De Zerbi stressed these circumstances should not be treated as justifications, as they represent typical growing pains during a rebuild.
Despite the humbling result, the manager maintained his faith in his squad, the club, and his own methods. He acknowledged awareness since the friendly against Hoffenheim that they were behind schedule for the league opener, while emphasising that improvement must come rapidly.
The performance was lacking in aggression and intensity, with the side losing too many individual battles, particularly in second-ball situations, and failing to execute their pressing strategy effectively. However, the manager pointed out that two teenagers featured in the lineup.
While acknowledging Bergvall’s substitution at the interval, De Zerbi expressed confidence the young midfielder will learn from the experience and avoid similar mistakes as he matures.
Regarding the youthful selection, including Moore and Tel, the manager was asked whether additional experience in forward areas would prove beneficial. De Zerbi dismissed this suggestion, citing Gray as another example, and maintained his belief in the project while acknowledging the integration process requires patience similar to what major clubs have undergone in recent years.
The severity of the defeat came as a surprise to the manager, who expressed frustration while defending his approach. He contrasted the current defensive setup with last season’s established back four and outlined the four new faces now occupying those positions. With Bentancur unavailable due to late arrival and Bergvall chosen instead, the manager recognised the inherent risks of fielding a young player against seasoned opponents but stood by his reasoning.
The vision involves building something sustainable for the club’s future, though immediate results may fluctuate. Regardless of upcoming fixtures against Newcastle, the manager maintained that developing team chemistry demands time and cannot be rushed through recruitment alone.
The youthful squad, including Moore, Tel, Gray, Bergvall, Tonali, Senesi, and Van Hecke, must develop their understanding and cohesion. While today’s display fell short, the manager refused to judge individuals based on a single poor performance and remained confident in their potential.
The challenge now is finding consistency and rhythm, with the manager believing the team is capable of far more than demonstrated. The upcoming matches against Newcastle will provide an opportunity to demonstrate their true capabilities, though achieving team unity remains a gradual process requiring time, reflection, and collective growth.
Regarding set-piece strategies, Brentford’s expertise in this area is well-recognised across the league. The real struggle emerged in open-play duels and second-ball contests rather than dead-ball situations.