Roberto De Zerbi is coming under increasing pressure at Tottenham following Saturday’s defeat to Aston Villa, with question marks now being raised over the mood in the Spurs dressing room.
Dissension growing at Tottenham after Villa defeat
De Zerbi took aim at his side’s “fragile and inconsitent” nature following a defeat which leaves them rooted to the bottom of the table heading into the international break, and was particularly critical of summer signing Mateus Fernandes following the decision to withdraw the midfielder at half time for Mohammed Kudus.
“Mateus is different than Kudus,” he said. “I have big confidence in Mateus but I didn’t like his performance today. It’s not an attack on him because I love him. I just want more from him, even in that position.”
Mathys Tel, meanwhile, wasn’t even in the squad, with De Zerbi explaining he simply didn’t have room for the Frenchman: “Technical decision. He was in the stands, because I think during the game, Maddison and Kudus, they had more chances to change the game, and then two centre-backs, important, also the two full-backs, have a look for Pedro Porro, with Archie Gray, and the two central midfielders.
“But I explained why to Mathys yesterday. It was no problem. He was very nice and he understood the reason, but nothing more, and also he played more than the others.”
That follows what appeared to be an argument between the pair on the pitch following the draw against Everton, and with dissension in the ranks seemingly growing, Jan Paul van Hecke’s comments this week have only further fuelled the fire.
“It could not get any worse,” the Dutchman said, before appearing to criticise Andy Robertson’s decision to keep the ball in play ahead of Johan Manzambi’s opener.
“You know you are down to ten men. Then it is smarter to kick the ball out, so you can wait until Micky gets back. You say to each other: ‘Come on, boys. We are much better.’ And then you give it all away completely.”
While De Zerbi is not thought to be in any immediate danger, with Spurs chiefs determined to back him to complete his rebuild, the pressure is mounting and there are concerns over the mood of a side who looked beaten the moment Villa went in front on Saturday.
This is Tottenham’s WORST ever start to a Premier League season after five games.
Next up after the three-week break is a tricky trip to a Manchester United side who will be desperate for a result themselves due to pressure on their own manager, and Football Insider have shared an update on both clubs’ managerial situation.
Tottenham keen on Brighton boss Hurzeler
Indeed, according to former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, Spurs and United are both “very keen” on Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, who could be open to a move to a “top club”.
“Any top club in the Premier League, or in the world, who need a new manager will be looking at Hurzeler,” Brown told Football Insider. “He’s done a fantastic job with Brighton to get them where they have been over the last couple of years, and he’s doing well again this year, they’re now up to third in the table.
“So I have no doubt that some of these top clubs are very keen on him, and I’m told that obviously includes the likes of Man United and Tottenham. I would be surprised if it was something they were looking to do in the immediate future, I don’t think either club wants to have a change of manager this early in the season.
“But if they do decide to pull the trigger, Hurzeler is going to be high on their lists, because he’s always spoken about very highly in these circles. After what he’s doing with Brighton this season, it might be difficult to get him out of there because they’re very happy with him and it seems like he’s happy there.
“But if a top club comes calling they might be able to test Brighton’s resolve and potentially lure him away.”
How good is Hurzeler?
Hurzeler continues to earn plaudits from across the league, with Mikel Arteta labelling him “remarkable” for the job he has done at the Amex ahead of Brighton’s emphatic 3-0 win over Arsenal.
The Seagulls are flying high heading into the break in domestic action, sitting third in the league with 16 goals, the most of any side in the top flight.
|
Hurzeler PL Record |
Stat |
|---|---|
|
Matches |
81 |
|
Wins |
33 |
|
Draws |
25 |
|
Losses |
23 |
|
Goals for-against |
134-110 |
|
Points |
124 |
|
Points per match |
1.53 |
Liverpool veteran James Milner’s comments from when the German first arrived at the Amex may go some way to explaining Tottenham’s interest, particularly if club chiefs are indeed concerned by the mood around Hotspur Way.
“I’ve been very impressed with him, the job he’s done, the messages he’s put across, the training sessions are fantastic, and how he is as a person as well.”
What’s more, the 33 year-old has an excellent head-to-head record against Spurs.
|
Date |
Competition |
Home |
Result |
Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
18/04/2026 |
Premier League |
Tottenham |
2-2 |
Brighton |
|
20/09/2025 |
Premier League |
Brighton |
2-2 |
Tottenham |
|
25/05/2025 |
Premier League |
Tottenham |
1-4 |
Brighton |
|
06/10/2024 |
Premier League |
Brighton |
3-2 |
Tottenham |
Who else are Tottenham linked with?
It’s not the only managerial link swirling around Tottenham this week. Both De Zerbi and Michael Carrick are believed to be safe for now, but with the two sides set to face one another when club football resumes in October, a defeat for either could prove decisive.
FFC revealed in an exclusive on Monday that both Spurs and United are also eyeing Kieran McKenna, with the 40-year-old having been linked with both clubs at various points in recent years.
FFC sources understand McKenna is content to wait it out for a ‘big six’ club having been linked with Celtic, and is even willing to waive part of his compensation fee to get a deal done for the right project.