Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that squad players Kevin Danso, Pape Sarr and Richarlison have asked to leave the club, following a second consecutive Premier League defeat that leaves Spurs bottom of the table.
De Zerbi addresses transfer requests
Speaking after Saturday night's 2-0 home loss to Newcastle, De Zerbi revealed the trio's requests but remained defiant about the ambition of his new-look side. He said: "I have very good relationships but if they want to leave, they have to bring the solution, the economic solution, to the club, and they can go."
Optimism had been high at Spurs after a successful survival bid on the final day of the 2025-26 campaign in May was followed by a remarkable transfer window in which more than £350million was committed on eight new additions. However, that has not translated into results, with an opening-day 3-0 loss at Brentford followed by the defeat to Newcastle.
De Zerbi insists improvement is coming
After back-to-back 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League, De Zerbi promised better, but Tottenham are currently bottom after two matches. He said: "If I was positive last season when we were in the Championship, because when I came (in March) we were in the Championship, what do you think my thoughts now could be?"
"I'm sorry for the fans, for the environment because after two defeats, maybe somebody can think it's the same story, the same as the last two seasons. I have no doubt it's not like this. I can't change my opinion after two defeats. I have a big, big confidence in the qualities of my players."
"I'm sorry for the club, because they are building a great squad but maybe now we are not ready yet, for many, many reasons. Today, I think, until the first goal, we played better than Newcastle."
Mentality the biggest challenge
De Zerbi acknowledged that changing the mentality of his expensively assembled squad is his biggest challenge. "It's the biggest problem, it's the biggest challenge and it's the biggest target to find the right mentality. Unfortunately, you can't buy the mentality in the transfer market or putting many players inside," he said.
"Football is like a magic thing, you know? You can change many players in a window, in one window of transfer market and you can find the balance immediately or you need more time. I think we (will) achieve this target and this goal. I would like to achieve this target quickly and as soon as possible because it is crucial to play football, but the plan and the project of the club and what we are doing to build and rebuild a new team with great players is a great plan and a great project."
Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle toasted an excellent maiden win in the Premier League after crucial first-half saves by Lukas Hornicek to thwart Mathys Tel, Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke were followed by second-half goals from Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa.
Jaissle said: "Yeah, really pleased. Not only because of the goals we scored but because of the performance we showed and how we were improving during the match. That gives me confidence and should give us confidence. The second half was really good, in both phases and we also controlled the transition moments better so a well deserved win."
