Match ReportBBC SportUnverified source· 22 Aug 2026
De Zerbi's Spurs Suffer Heavy Defeat at Brentford
Despite a £400m rebuild, Tottenham's losing mentality was exposed in a heavy opening-day defeat at Brentford.
Brentford— – —
NS · Premier League
TottenhamCompetition
Premier League
Venue
Gtech Community Stadium
Result
Heavy defeat for Spurs
What happened. Tottenham Hotspur crashed to a heavy defeat at Brentford in their first Premier League game of the season, exposing a persistent losing mentality despite significant spending.
- De Zerbi admitted his role is more psychologist than coach after keeping Spurs up last season.
- Spurs have finished 17th in the Premier League for two consecutive seasons.
- The new-look side capitulated at the first sign of pressure, looking like the old Spurs.
“his role was more psychologist than coach”
— Roberto De Zerbi
De Zerbi must address the mental fragility as Spurs face a long season ahead.
In this story
R. De ZerbiMore to read
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Roberto De Zerbi warns big-spending Tottenham need time and must improve 'physical condition' and 'organisation' - as boss apologises after crushing loss to Brentford
BBC Sport
Spurs 'didn't fight in the right way' - Di Zerbi
Mirror Football
Tottenham fall flat as Roberto De Zerbi's new-look team dealt brutal lesson by Brentford
Football.London
Tottenham predicted team vs Brentford - New captain starts as De Zerbi picks young team
