Vinai Venkatesham Backs Roberto De Zerbi Despite Spurs’ Winless Start
Tottenham chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has publicly backed Roberto De Zerbi despite the club sitting bottom of the Premier League without a win from five matches.
Tottenham early-season snapshot
| Item | Figure or date | Context |
|---|---|---|
| League position | 20th after five games | Spurs remain winless |
| Summer recruitment | More than £380m | Ten players arrived |
| Owner investment | £120m last month | Capital injected by the Lewis family |
Venkatesham addressed supporters at last week’s first Fan Advisory Board meeting of the campaign, accepting the anger around Tottenham’s points return after the previous season. But he said there had been positive signs in the performances since the opening-day loss at Brentford.
Spurs have created clear opportunities but failed to convert them in games against Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Everton. Venkatesham believes those underlying displays offer encouragement as De Zerbi works with a heavily reshaped squad.
Tottenham brought in 10 new signings during a major summer rebuild, spending heavily on Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Sávio. The club also moved on several established figures, including Guglielmo Vicario, Djed Spence, Cristian Romero, Kevin Danso and João Palhinha.
Venkatesham told the meeting that substantial changes had been made throughout the club, on the pitch and away from it, and that their full impact may not be immediate. He expressed faith in De Zerbi, the incoming players and the work being carried out behind the scenes.
Player trading under scrutiny
Tottenham generated about £150m from outgoing transfers, including a £50m move that took teenage defender Luka Vuskovic to Brighton. More money could arrive next summer: Radu Dragusin and Danso left on loan agreements containing mandatory permanent-transfer terms.
Vicario and Pape Sarr also joined Juventus on deals that include options for permanent exits, leaving open the prospect of further sales income.
Venkatesham stressed that Tottenham must become more effective in the transfer market as sellers. He said the club had secured limited returns from player departures in recent years, while financial rules now make sales increasingly important.
The chief executive also outlined the pressure on the club’s finances. Tottenham have not posted a profit since 2019, while wage costs and transfer spending on the men’s side have risen. Back-to-back 17th-place finishes and no European football this term have further reduced revenue.
What happens next is on the training ground. Tottenham have overhauled parts of their medical, physical-preparation and performance departments in an effort to reduce injuries, while upgrades have also been made at the training centre.
