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Pundit Alan Shearer has detailed the “fragility and weakness” of the Tottenham side, explaining why Roberto De Zerbi is to blame for their shortfalls.

Spurs had a good chance to open up a gap on the Premier League relegation places on Saturday. Already a point ahead of opponents Aston Villa, victory would have put Tottenham four points above them.

But the Villans, who were yet to win a game, went 3-0 ahead, and ended up winning the game 3-2.

That leaves Tottenham 19th in the table, with Villa having leapfrogged them, and pressure is ramping up on manager De Zerbi in north London, amid whisperings of a sacking.

Shearer has not gone quite that far, but is adamant that the Italian is at fault for the club’s current shortfalls.

He explained on Match of the Day: “He’s signed six of those players who started today. There’s definitely a fragility and weakness about them. In the last 48 games, when they’ve gone behind, they’ve failed to win any of them.

“That tells you what and who they are at this moment in time and it’s his job to change that. That looks very difficult. It’s incredible. He’s signed six of the ones who started today, so it’s up to him to change it.”

Roberto De Zerbi sack latest

While there are whisperings of a sacking, insider Fabrizio Romano has suggested De Zerbi will be given more time at Tottenham.

He said: “Tottenham decided to back Roberto De Zerbi in the summer by trusting his ideas.

“Obviously everything was not possible, but it was still a very ambitious market, a very expensive market.

“When I say not everything, for example, Cody Gakpo, top target, but was no longer available.

“And then more things they wanted to do, but it’s normal. At no club do they complete the perfect market. But still, big investments and top players signed.

“So, the message from Tottenham, as of today, remains a message of confidence in Roberto De Zerbi

“So at the moment I don’t have any indication of Tottenham exploring different ways.

“I’m told that Tottenham still believe in the manager. I’m told Tottenham knew it was going to take time.

“It’s not a switch you make from 17th in the league, saving from relegation in the final game of the season, to Champions League spots just because you spend big money.

“Tottenham knew it was going to be a process and it can not always be fast.

“Obviously, they all, including De Zerbi, had different expectations. The club, the coach, everyone had different expectations, not two points from five games.

“But at the same time they maintain confidence in the process.”

A top Premier League boss is reportedly keen on becoming the Tottenham Hotspur manager, should the club decide to part ways with Roberto De Zerbi, with Fabrizio Romano revealing where the club currently stands in that regard.

Having saved the club from the genuine threat of relegation last season, De Zerbi oversaw a summer spend of more than £300million to bolster an under-performing squad in north London.

However, it’s been a disastrous start to the new campaign for Tottenham, who have failed to win any of their first five Premier League outings and also crashed out of the Carabao Cup at the third-round stage.

There have already been murmurings that all is not well behind the scenes, with former Spurs striker Bobby Zamora telling TEAMtalk that the Italian is lucky Daniel Levy is no longer in charge of the club.

Handing De Zerbi a five-year contract back in April means Tottenham are facing the prospect of a huge payout if things continue to go south, but it’s a results business and they are not looking like they can win a game at this early stage of the season.

That has, in turn, led to speculation over who could replace De Zerbi in the hotseat, with a far from reliable source revealing that Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler is ready to take the reins if the Italian is sacked.

Indeed, Indykaila claims that Spurs have reached out to Seagulls chief, who oversaw a 3-0 win for his side against Spurs’ bitter north London rivals Arsenal on Saturday.

They said on X: “Our source in Brighton messaged us a couple of hours ago. He said Spurs have made enquiries about Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler.

“We understand Fabian Hürzeler would be keen to become the #THFC manager. One to watch…”

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Tottenham trusting the process under De Zerbi – Romano

However, reputed insider Fabrizio Romano insists that Tottenham are not hitting the panic button over De Zerbi just yet, as the first international break of the new season now kicks in.

Speaking after the 3-2 home defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday, Romano explained: “Tottenham decided to back Roberto De Zerbi in the summer by trusting his ideas.

“Obviously everything was not possible, but it was still a very ambitious market, a very expensive market.

“When I say not everything, for example, Cody Gakpo, top target, but was no longer available.

“And then more things they wanted to do, but it’s normal. At no club do they complete the perfect market. But still, big investments and top players signed.

“So, the message from Tottenham, as of today, remains a message of confidence in Roberto De Zerbi.

“So at the moment I don’t have any indication of Tottenham exploring different ways.

“I’m told that Tottenham still believe in the manager. I’m told Tottenham knew it was going to take time.

“It’s not a switch you make from 17th in the league, saving from relegation in the final game of the season, to Champions League spots just because you spend big money.

“Tottenham knew it was going to be a process and it can not always be fast.

“Obviously, they all, including De Zerbi, had different expectations. The club, the coach, everyone had different expectations, not two points from five games.

“But at the same time they maintain confidence in the process.”

Fabrizio Romano has revealed whether Tottenham will stick or twist with Roberto De Zerbi after yet another defeat.

Tottenham fielded six of their summer signings in the starting eleven on Saturday, though it mattered not, with the end result being yet another defeat.

Spurs did at least break their goalscoring duck in the Premier League, though the 3-2 loss to Aston Villa means they remain without a win and sit inside the relegation zone.

De Zerbi’s future is a talking point in some sections of the media, but according to transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano, it’s not something that is on the agenda amongst Spurs’ hierarchy.

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Tottenham still believe in Roberto De Zerbi – Fabrizio Romano

Reporting on YouTube, Romano explained: “Tottenham decided to back Roberto De Zerbi in the summer by trusting his ideas.

“Obviously everything was not possible, but it was still a very ambitious market, a very expensive market.

“When I say not everything, for example, Cody Gakpo, top target, but was no longer available.

“And then more things they wanted to do, but it’s normal. At no club do they complete the perfect market. But still, big investments and top players signed.

“So, the message from Tottenham, as of today, remains a message of confidence in Roberto De Zerbi

“So at the moment I don’t have any indication of Tottenham exploring different ways.

“I’m told that Tottenham still believe in the manager. I’m told Tottenham knew it was going to take time.

“It’s not a switch you make from 17th in the league, saving from relegation in the final game of the season, to Champions League spots just because you spend big money.

“Tottenham knew it was going to be a process and it can not always be fast.

“Obviously, they all, including De Zerbi, had different expectations. The club, the coach, everyone had different expectations, not two points from five games.

“But at the same time they maintain confidence in the process.”

Jamie O’Hara has urged Tottenham Hotspur to sell Jan Paul van Hecke after watching his performance against Aston Villa, with Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi giving his brutal verdict on Mateus Fernandes and Dominic Solanke.

Tottenham’s disastrous start to the new season continued on Saturday, as De Zerbi’s side lost 3-2 to Aston Villa at home in the Premier League.

Villa were 3-0 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after 79 minutes, and although the north London club scored two late goals, it was not enough.

Tottenham have picked up only two points from five matches.

Former Tottenham player and talkSPORT pundit O’Hara was following the match, and he was hugely disappointed with the performance of the home team.

Among the players that O’Hara criticised is defender Van Hecke, who joined Tottenham from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer transfer window for £52million.

The talkSPORT pundit was so furious with the Netherlands international defender that he wants Tottenham to sell him already.

While Van Hecke scored one of the goals for Tottenham, defensively he was poor.

The former Brighton star was not aggressive enough at the back and could have done better for Villa’s second goal.

O’Hara said in a video on his X account: “Van Hecke is in cement, cement.

“Get rid of him.

“Get rid of him.

“Solanke – waste of space.

“Savio thinks he is playing Under-21s football.

“He’s absolutely guff.

“Tonali – a £100m – turning his back, turning his back.

“It is a joke.

“I hate this football club.

“I hate it.

“I hate it.”

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De Zerbi critical of Tottenham duo Fernandes and Solanke

Tottenham manager De Zerbi was not impressed with midfielder Mateus Fernandes and Dominic Solanke.

Fernandes, who cost Tottenham £85m when they signed him from West Ham United in the summer transfer window, came off at half-time.

As for Solanke, the striker was off the pace for most of his time on the pitch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Football.London quotes De Zerbi as saying about Fernandes: “Mateus is different than Kudus.

“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.”

De Zerbi said about Solanke: “We need more from him for sure but he’s one of my players.

“I like Domi as a player and I stay with him until the end.

“He needs to feel better.

“His physical condition is not good enough.

“Maybe he is not good enough in the confidence at this moment but many, many things can be better than this moment.”

Tottenham Hotspur have rejected an offer from UAE club Shabab Al Ahli to sign Richarlison, with the Brazilian now set to remain in North London until January, TEAMtalk can reveal.

We revealed earlier this week that, following failed moves to Everton, Trabzonspor and Vasco da Gama, there was still an option for Richarlison to leave Tottenham for the Middle East.

Shabab Al Ahli were keen to bring the forward to the UAE, with former Brazilian Olympic manager Andre Jardine pushing for a reunion with Richarlison.

However, sources have told us that the UAE Pro League’s approach was rejected by Tottenham after the proposed deal was not considered suitable for the club.

The offer would have given Richarlison the opportunity to move again in January, but Spurs have decided against allowing him to leave for the UAE.

The Middle East window remains open for just over another week, but at present it does not appear that Richarlison will be making the move to Shabab Al Ahli.

Richarlison had been considering the prospect of joining the UAE club, with Jardine keen to work with him again, but the proposal did not meet Tottenham’s requirements.

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Richarlison to stay at Tottenham until January

That means the 29-year-old Brazilian forward is now set to remain at Tottenham until at least January, when another opportunity to leave could emerge.

The situation leaves Richarlison facing a difficult period in North London, having been left out of Tottenham’s Premier League squad.

Unless circumstances change, the former Watford and Everton forward could now be without competitive first-team football for the next three-and-a-half months.

The Brazilian’s future has been the subject of considerable uncertainty throughout the summer, with Everton, Trabzonspor and Vasco da Gama all exploring potential deals that ultimately failed to materialise.

Shabab Al Ahli subsequently emerged as another possible destination, but their approach has now been rejected by Spurs.

TEAMtalk understands that the decision was based on the terms of the proposed deal rather than Richarlison’s willingness to consider the move.

Tottenham must now decide how to handle the forward between now and January, with Richarlison remaining outside their Premier League squad and his future still unresolved.

As it stands, Richarlison is under contract at Tottenham until the end of the season, although Spurs hold an option to extend his deal for a further 12 months.

For now, however, the Brazilian remains a Tottenham player despite the latest attempt to move him on.

Tottenham Hotspur are in the race for highly rated Brazilian centre-back Arthur Dias, with several other European clubs also monitoring the Athletico Paranaense teenager, TEAMtalk understands.

The 19-year-old has established himself as a key figure in the Athletico defence and recently earned a senior call-up to the Brazil squad under Carlo Ancelotti.

His rapid rise from academy prospect to first-team regular has attracted significant attention across the continent.

Tottenham are among the most proactive suitors. Spurs sent scouts to watch Dias in action at the Arena da Baixada earlier this year and have held early conversations.

Arthur Dias price tag set

Athletico promptly rejected the approach and have set their valuation closer to €30 million. Despite the early setback, the north London club remain keen and are expected to renew their interest in the coming months.

Newcastle United are also tracking the left-footed defender, while Nottingham Forest and Brentford have been confirmed as monitoring his progress.

Further afield, clubs in Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal have shown interest, with RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen, Atalanta, Como, Atlético Madrid and Benfica among those keeping tabs on the player.

Dias, who began his career as a striker before converting to centre-back, has made nearly 50 senior appearances for Athletico.

His composure on the ball, physical presence and reading of the game have marked him out as one of Brazil’s most promising defensive talents.

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Athletico hold a strong position. Dias is under contract until December 2028 and the club are in no rush to sell, preferring to retain him for at least the remainder of the season.

However, they are realistic about his long-term future and would consider a substantial offer that meets their valuation.

With international recognition boosting his profile further, competition for Dias is only likely to intensify and sources expect offers to arrive in January.

Tottenham appear best placed at present, but the Brazilian’s continued development could yet spark a broader battle among Europe’s top clubs.

Under-pressure Tottenham Hotspur boss Roberto De Zerbi has revealed that three key starters are all fit to face Aston Villa in the Saturday lunch-time kick-off, although one pundit still thinks it won’t be enough to secure a much-needed win.

Spurs head into the game off the back of another demoralising loss at Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, although there were some signs of improvement from a much-changed De Zerbi side at Anfield.

There is, of course, the small matter of actually scoring a goal in the Premier League still to overcome, with Tottenham failing to do so for the opening four games of a season for the first time in their 144-year history.

Indeed, the only time they’ve ever failed to score in five or more league games at any stage of a campaign was a six-game run between December 1985 and February 1986.

De Zerbi is at least boosted by the returns of record signing Sandro Tonali and Spain World Cup winner Pedro Porro for the clash with Villa, with the former missing the midweek loss on Merseyside, while Porro has missed the last two games with a minor muscular issue.

Speaking about the duo, alongside hopes that James Maddison could be fit enough to start the game against Unai Emery’s side, De Zerbi told reporters: “They are all available to play. We have to understand the situation in terms of their physical condition, but all of them are ready to feature.

“James Maddison’s personality, his characteristics, qualities, experience and passing qualities are different to our other players, maybe besides Mohammed Kudus, however he isn’t used to playing in the same position. Mateus Fernandes can play as a number 10, but he needs to be more decisive in his shooting and final passes.”

Meanwhile, De Zerbi also revealed that the upcoming period during the international break should pave the way for Dejan Kulusevski to edge closer to a long-awaited return.

The Swedish playmaker has not featured at all since May 2025, but has been back in training this week after overcoming a small issue with dealt him a setback.

De Zerbi added: “We have to manage him in the best way possible alongside our medical staff. It is great news for us obviously because he is a great player and a good guy. He deserves to play again and the international break will be important for him.

“He will be like another new signing for us when he is back to his usual physical condition. He doesn’t need my encouragement to keep working because he is strong-minded and a great character. He is an example for everyone.”

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Sutton predicts more woe for Tottenham and De Zerbi

Meanwhile, former Blackburn and Chelsea striker Chris Sutton is predicting another damaging defeat for Spurs when Villa head to north London.

Emery’s men have won three of their last four visits to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Sutton admits that De Zerbi’s excuses about needing more time to turn things around are starting to wear a little thin.

In predicting a 2-1 victory for the visitors on BBC Sport, Sutton said: “Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi has this reputation of being a great coach, and we saw what a good job he did at Brighton.

“But we have not seen any improvement from Spurs yet, despite the big money they have spent, and he is surely going to come under pressure soon if their poor results continue.

“They are not the only ones to revamp their squad but if you listen to De Zerbi, after about five years they might come good.

“He keeps saying they need time, but he has had long enough for their results to be much better already. Other clubs, like Hull and Ipswich, have brought plenty of players in and are doing well enough – so why aren’t Spurs?

“I think De Zerbi has to come under scrutiny, but it is different with Unai Emery at Aston Villa.

“They are also without a league win, but they look more likely to score goals, as they showed against Coventry in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

“I am expecting Villa to improve the same way they did after not winning any of their first five games last season, and I can see them edging this.

“Do I give Spurs their first league goal of the season? Yes, but only one. They are due a deflection, or Villa will score an own goal.

“Something will go for them, but not the result.”

Roberto De Zerbi has been told it is far too early to judge his expensively assembled Tottenham Hotspur side, with the Italian likely to be given a few more months yet before the club even considers sacking him, though TEAMtalk has been told his public hanging out to dry of his players should be looked at.

Four games into the new season and Spurs sit in their all-too-familiar 17th place – the very position they have finished the last two Premier League campaigns.

However, after investing some £320m (€372m, $428m) into new players this summer, there is ample disappointment among supporters and the club’s ownership that there has not been an immediate improvement.

As a result, speculation that De Zerbi is already coming under pressure of the sack is starting to gather pace.

To that end, the manager has been branded a ‘bully’, while some supporters have also turned on the Italian who it’s claimed has ‘no track record of having a track record’.

Now, in an exclusive interview with TEAMtalk, former Spurs striker Bobby Zamora has explained why judgement should be held off over De Zerbi until January, though he does admit he’s fortunate that often-impatient former chairman Daniel Levy is no longer pulling the strings.

“To be honest, I think it’s a blessing that Daniel Levy isn’t at the club anymore. He would have made De Zerbi’s life harder, and I don’t think they would have got on with how animated and opinionated they both are,” Zamora exclusively revealed to us, in association with football betting site, Betwright.

“I think he will be given until January at least. By then, I think they would have kicked on, and the way he wants to play and set up, the players will have got used to it and be getting results; ultimately I think they’ll be fine.”

Zamora added: “It’s a blip, a poor start to the season, and while there is a bit of pressure, I don’t think that Roberto will feel that pressure himself right now.”

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Zamora advised over his public shaming of Tottenham players

De Zerbi was warned earlier this week that he needs to be careful with how he manages his Spurs squad publicly, amid suggestions that the manager has publicly hung his players out to dry for not following his instructions not having gone down well with his players.

Indeed, one pundit even warned him that it “will all unravel quickly” if he keeps speaking out against them in the media.

Off the back of that, we asked Zamora how he would feel as a player if he had a manager who consistently points the finger of blame at his players in public and whether his actions threaten to weaken his position?

Zamora’s reply was telling.

“I was a player that didn’t mind it personally and would take it as a challenge,” the former Spurs striker said.

“With that said, there is a lot of ego in today’s game and with social media and lots of opinions flying around, it becomes harder for players to deal with criticism, especially if it’s coming from within.

“Ultimately, it’s down to the players.

“Roberto is a fiery manager, and it’s down to how the players cope with that. If you can stay calm and process what he is saying, but maybe not in the volatile manner he says it, you’ll realise how he’s actually trying to help you!”

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That said, Zamora believes De Zerbi can help himself by perhaps criticising in a calmer and more instructive way.

“Roberto knows what he wants to do and how he wants his team to play,” he added.

“I think he tells the players what they’re needed to do, and if they don’t do that, he has a point of bringing up what hasn’t been executed by the players how he wants.

“But he could do it in a calmer, more instructive way, but that’s his character and how he is.”

According to reports, Harry Kane wants a release clause to be included in his new Bayern Munich contract, with certain details already ‘agreed’.

The 33-year-old remains one of the best strikers in the world, and he is a leading contender to win this year’s Ballon d’Or award.

Kane has a remarkable tally of 153 goals in his 150 appearances for Bayern Munich, but his long-term future is in doubt because he has entered the final year of his current contract.

However, we have reported that Kane and Bayern Munich want to stick together, with a new contract considered a matter of when, not if.

A return to the Premier League has been mooted with Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur, while FC Barcelona have been linked. We have also reported that a Saudi Pro League club have been plotting an audacious move to sign him.

Despite this, German outlet BILD (as cited by Bavarian Football Works) reports that Kane is edging closer to signing a new contract, though he and his camp want a release clause in his latest deal.

Two key details already ‘agreed’ between Harry Kane and Bayern Munich

The report does not reveal the potential terms of this release clause, but it is noted that Kane and Bayern Munich are in ‘agreement’ that his new contract should run until at least 2029, though the player wants an additional year.

It is also revealed that the two sides have ‘agreed’ that his salary ‘would not be reduced if the contract were to run until 2029’, but there is a hurdle still to overcome.

The remaining issue for Kane and Bayern Munich is ‘what the financial terms would look like if the contract were to run beyond 2029’, though ‘both parties are optimistic an agreement will be reached’.

At the end of last month, Kane confirmed that talks with Bayern Munich over a new contract had started.

“The first meeting was this week,” Kane said last month.

“But these matters aren’t decided in one or two weeks. There will be further talks about details. Talks have been positive. So far, so good.”

He continued: “I’d like to stay long term. We’ll have to see how many years that is.

“I’m 33 years old, so it might not be my last contract but it’s a big contract for me. I need to make sure that I’m happy and the club needs to make sure that they’re happy.

“The good thing is that there’s no panic from either side. I’m sure we’ll reach a point where both sides are happy.”

Former Tottenham Hotspur star Danny Murphy has declared how long it will be before the club hit the panic button over Roberto De Zerbi’s future, while the Italian has been accused of robbing the club blind over the five-year contract he signed back in April.

De Zerbi rescued Spurs from the drop when he was brought in for the final seven games of last season, when it had looked inevitable that the club were heading into the second tier of English football for the first time in almost 50 years.

After that major scare, majority Tottenham shareholders ENIC splashed out more than £300million on new signings for De Zerbi to add some much-needed quality to his squad.

However, it’s been a disastrous start to the new campaign, with Spurs winless and goalless in their first four Premier League outings, while they also crashed out of the Carabao Cup at Liverpool on Tuesday evening.

And, speaking after that game, Murphy revealed how long he thinks it will be before club chiefs pull the trigger on the former Brighton boss – although he remains confident De Zerbi can turn things around.

Speaking on White & Jordan on talkSPORT, Murphy said: “They’ll climb up the table. I still think they’ll be in the top half.

“I am surprised how poorly they’ve started, but actually the turnover of players, a lot of new players have come in, some of them late. He’s not yet established his best 11.

“There’s a few decisions when you watch them play. I’ve done most of the games where it’s kind of a little bit baffling, but they’ve got enough.

“It’s just about getting through this initial bad spell. Last night didn’t help.

“I think he picked a strong team, which he should have done because he’s under a bit of pressure.

“He’s got a lot of quality and competition for places, but he picked a really strong team and they played okay.

“They missed a couple of big chances in the first half which can change momentum in a game, but to lose 3-1 it’s a little embarrassing.

“There comes a point with every manager at every club where the fans will start and if they lose to Villa at the weekend before the international break, all of a sudden amazingly he’s under pressure.

“Even if they lose at the weekend, I still think they’ll give him a month or two after they get back from the international break.”

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De Zerbi accused of contract ‘heist’ at Tottenham

Meanwhile, former AC Milan and Barcelona forward Christophe Dugarry has suggested that De Zerbi duped Tottenham into giving him a big contract when they were in desperate need of a savior.

Some pundits have said that cracks are already starting to appear at Spurs, and that the Italian’s spell at N17 could end in disaster.

And Dugarry claimed De Zerbi has not achieved anything to warrant the reputation he has in football, revealing that he has never been convinced by the Italian, in a scathing attack on his managerial ability.

Speaking about De Zerbi (via RMC Sport), Dugarry said: “He signed for five years, the heist he pulls off, without the balaclava. It’s insane!

“And now they pay you every week in England so you can go. What he’s doing is magnificent. He’s proven so much in football that he’s incredible.

“I never understood what this man’s true level was.

“I’m told he did well at Brighton, Sassuolo, and I don’t remember where else. For me, he’s not an absolute benchmark for coaching big clubs; he had his chance. For now, he’s struggling to seize it.”

De Zerbi will be hoping his side can break out of their early-season rut when Aston Villa head to north London for the Saturday lunchtime kick-off.

He is, however, expected to be handed a major boost ahead of the game with the return of a key first-team starter from injury.