‘Sorry’ De Zerbi won’t panic after Spurs shambles

LONDON, England (AFP) — Roberto De Zerbi apologised for Tottenham’s dismal 2-0 defeat against Newcastle but says he won’t panic after the club’s worst start to a season in 52 years. De Zerbi’s side conceded twice in the second half in north London on Saturday to extend their miserable opening to the new English Premier League campaign. Anthony Elanga put Newcastle ahead in the 62nd minute before Yoane Wissa killed off lacklustre Tottenham 10 minutes later as their frustrated fans streamed to the exits long before the final whistle.

It was another chastening result for De Zerbi, whose expensively assembled team suffered an embarrassing 3-0 defeat at Brentford in the opening game of the season last weekend. Tottenham have spent over £300 million in the transfer window this summer as De Zerbi overhauled a squad that narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of last term. Bottom of the table Tottenham have lost their opening two matches of a league campaign without scoring for the third time in their history and the first since 1974-75.

Despite Tottenham’s troubles, De Zerbi is confident they can bounce back and regain their supporters’ trust. I know where we are going and what the plan is. I’m sorry for the fans for the result,” De Zerbi said.

We have to work hard on the pitch and find the connection between the players.” De Zerbi has already signed eight players since the end of last season. He hopes to make one more major signing before the transfer window closes on September 1, with Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo linked to the north Londoners. Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi shouts instructions to his players on the touchline during their Carabao Cup second round football match against Charlton Athletic at the Tottenham Stadium in London, England, on Wednesday.

(Photo: AFP) On the evidence of Tottenham’s limp surrender against Newcastle, De Zerbi could do with adding even more new recruits. “Disappointed for the result because until the first goal we conceded I think we played better than Newcastle,” he said. “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.” Tottenham have finished 17th for the last two seasons, with Ange Postecoglou, Thomas Fr…