Roberto De Zerbi has diagnosed a lack of confidence as the root cause of Tottenham’s woes after his first match as manager ended in a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland. The result leaves Spurs in the relegation zone, two points adrift of safety with six games remaining.
“We didn’t deserve to lose,” said De Zerbi, whose side were undone by Nordi Mukiele’s deflected second-half winner. “We played a good game, but maybe not good enough to win. I cannot say anything to the players because they gave their best in terms of attitude and spirit.”
The Italian, Tottenham’s third manager of a troubled season, admitted the mental state of his squad is a major concern. “We don’t have the confidence to show our quality and play great football,” he said. “The players will play better when they are feeling confident. I’m sure if we are able to win a game everything will change.”
De Zerbi could now be without captain Cristian Romero, who will have scans on a knee injury sustained in a second-half collision. “I don’t know,” the manager said. “Hopefully it’s not too bad. We need him to finish the season.”
Spurs are 18th and host De Zerbi’s former club Brighton on Saturday. “The players are all suffering, they are suffering maybe too much,” he added. “We have to find the energy. I believe in their qualities. We have to stay close, to stay positive and to believe in our work.”
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris was more content after his side moved into the top half. “We were a bit sloppy for the first 15 minutes but after that we were good,” he said. “A top-10 finish is a good aim for us this season.”
