Tottenham Hotspur must be given time to settle after a second successive league defeat, according to Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp.
Redknapp said the club’s large group of new players needed time to develop an understanding, while head coach De Zerbi continued to work out the most effective way to organise his squad.
Tottenham’s latest loss came against Newcastle United and extended a difficult run in the league. Redknapp said the result should be considered in the context of a team still trying to establish its identity and find the right balance.
“Tottenham Hotspur have many new players, and it naturally takes time for them to gel. The head coach is like assembling a jigsaw puzzlehe needs to figure out how the players fit together, determine the formation, and identify the three strongest midfielders to select.”
The former player highlighted the midfield selection and overall shape as key areas for De Zerbi to resolve. With several new arrivals competing for places, the head coach is still assessing how the individuals can work most effectively as a unit.
Redknapp also warned that difficulties were to be expected while Tottenham’s squad was being integrated. However, he believed the team’s more experienced players had to take responsibility for their performance, particularly after the two goals conceded against Newcastle United.
“Issues are inevitable during the integration phase. Furthermore, experienced players like Van de Ven did not perform strongly enough today and bear much responsibility for the two conceded goals. These senior players in the squad should have done better.”
His comments placed the emphasis on patience, but also made clear that the adjustment process could not excuse every individual mistake. While the squad continues to adapt to its new combinations and tactical demands, Redknapp said established members of the team must provide greater leadership.
The defeat by Newcastle United was Tottenham Hotspur’s second consecutive league loss. It also increased the pressure on De Zerbi to discover a settled formation and identify the midfield combination he believes can give the side greater stability.
For now, Redknapp’s view is that Tottenham’s changing personnel mean the head coach is still assembling the team rather than working with a finished product. The next stage of that process will involve deciding which players fit together best, selecting the strongest midfield unit and ensuring experienced defenders meet the standards expected of them.
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