Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has blamed the club's pre-season tour of Australia for contributing to a 3-0 defeat against Brentford on Sunday.
The loss equalled Tottenham's heaviest opening-round defeat of the Premier League era. Brentford established a commanding lead early in the match, with Keane Lewis-Potter and Vitaly Janelt scoring within the first 33 minutes before Michael Kayode completed the rout shortly after half-time.
The defeat occurred despite Tottenham spending about $450million on a major overhaul of their squad. Summer additions Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi all arrived at the club, while deals were also agreed for Manchester City pair Savinho and Omar Marmoush.
Disrupted Pre-Season Preparations
De Zerbi apologized for the performance and acknowledged that his new-look side was comprehensively beaten across the pitch. The Italian manager linked the team's poor physical condition to their Australian tour in late July and early August, alongside players returning late following the World Cup.
"We are not at the right point in physical condition for a lot of reasons," De Zerbi said. "The players, they came late after World Cup, because in Australia we couldn't work in the right way for the trip. To [not] take risk."
He added: "But [that does] not excuse our normal situation. When you are building a new project, a new process. I don't want time, but we have to pass through these problems."
Sydney Super Cup and Hoffenheim Friendly
Tottenham visited Australia during July and August as part of the 2026 Sydney Super Cup. They faced Sydney FC on July 29, winning through a penalty shootout, before playing London rivals Chelsea at Accor Stadium on August 1.
Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are both major London clubs competing in the Premier League, the top tier of English football. Overseas pre-season tours to venues such as Sydney's Accor Stadium have become a regular fixture for elite English clubs seeking to expand their international audience.
De Zerbi had previously stated that his squad was behind schedule ahead of their Premier League opener following a friendly against German side Hoffenheim. Reflecting on the match against Brentford, De Zerbi said Spurs failed to compete strongly enough, losing too many duels, tackles and second balls.
Supporter Reaction to Tour Claims
The manager's remarks about the Australian trip divided supporters, with one fan accusing the coach of refusing to accept responsibility for the defeat.
"He won't last long. A coach takes responsibility," the supporter wrote. "How do you not start the EPL in peak physical condition? Pretty much just put his staff and club under a bus."
Other fans defended De Zerbi and questioned the sporting value of sending Premier League clubs across the world shortly before a new season begins.
"Any rational person will understand a team flying across the world for a few friendlies as they try to prepare physically for the toughest league in the world isn't ideal," one wrote. "It was a great trip for many reasons, but PL prep isn't one."
Another supporter claimed clubs would continue undertaking lengthy overseas tours because of commercial revenue. "TBF going to the other side of the world for a couple of pointless friendlies wouldn't help your on the park performance," the fan wrote. "But owners only care about revenue so it won't stop anytime soon."
Building Identity and Spirit
De Zerbi insisted he retained faith in his players but conceded Tottenham had yet to develop into a functioning team, admitting the squad was not a team yet. The manager noted that new signings could not immediately produce the connections, spirit and playing identity required to compete in the Premier League.
