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Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has urged everyone to remain calm after a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle United. In spite of an underwhelming display that has left Spurs rooted to the bottom of the table, the Italian coach remains confident that his project in North London will eventually deliver results.

Analysing the defeat against Newcastle

Tottenham suffered a difficult afternoon in North London as goals from Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa earned all three points for the visitors. Looking back at the match, De Zerbi believed the scoreline did not truly reflect the pattern of the contest, even though his side found it hard to break down a stubborn Magpies defence.

“Disappointed for the result because until the first goal we conceded I think we played better than Newcastle,” De Zerbi told BBC Sport. “We lost ball possession in the first half because we didn't defend in the right way, the distance between the defenders and attackers was too big. We can improve in the defensive phases but today was an unfair result.”

Historic struggles and missed chances

The loss was especially painful as it handed Spurs an unwanted slice of history, with the club failing to score while losing its opening two league matches for the first time in 52 years. Tottenham have now gone scoreless in defeats in their first two matches of a season for the first time since the 1974-75 campaign.

De Zerbi expressed frustration over his team’s lack of composure in the final third, pointing in particular to the need for sharper decision-making in front of goal. “At the beginning of the second half we had some chance to create the potential chances. We created many chances to score, we have to improve the last decision, because that will make a difference,” the manager said. “At the end we are disappointed for the result and our fans. We are working to be a great team. When we become a team I think we can change the story of the last two seasons for Tottenham. We are working to be good on the pitch, if you believe in work and training then you have to improve day by day.”

Patience needed for the long-term plan

Despite rising frustration among Tottenham supporters, De Zerbi insisted that the club still has a clear route towards success. Spurs began the new campaign determined to move on from last season’s final-day escape from relegation, having backed their new manager with more than £350 million in summer signings. But after a heavy 3-0 loss at Brentford on the opening day and another poor showing against Newcastle, the side is still struggling. Against the backdrop of this difficult start, De Zerbi asked fans to remain patient while the revamped squad adjusts to his demanding tactical ideas.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the manager delivered a direct message to those questioning the team’s direction: “There is no panic. I know where we are going and what the plan is. I'm sorry for the fans for the result. We have to improve. We have to work hard on the pitch and find the connection between the players.”

Next challenge ahead for De Zerbi’s men

Tottenham will try to get their season back on course when they travel to face Nottingham Forest on September 5. It promises to be another tough examination for De Zerbi’s side, with Forest full of confidence after securing an impressive 2-2 draw away at Anfield against Liverpool today.