Roberto De Zerbi singles out three players who struggled during Brentford defeat as 'surprised' claim made

Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi says summer signing Sandro Tonali and two other players struggled physically during their opening day defeat to Brentford.

It was an afternoon to forget for big spenders Tottenham as goals from Keane Lewis-Potter, Vitaly Yanelt and Michael Kayode sealed a deserved three points for Keith Andrews' side at the Gtech.

Of course, it is very early days for the North London club, but after spending more than £200 million on six first-team players this summer, expectations were high coming into their Premier League opener.

Andrew Robertson, a free transfer from Liverpool, featured in defence alongside Jan Paul van Hecke, who joined from Brighton in June for £52 million.

Club record signing Sandro Tonali also made his first competitive start for the Lilywhites but struggled in large spells as another summer signing, Mamadou Sangare, dominated in midfield for the hosts.

In more positive news, Mateus Fernandes, who came on in the second half, showed glimpses of why Tottenham paid £85 million for his services.

A lacklustre Tonali struggled in large spells against Brentford. Image credit: Getty

Still, a frustrated Roberto De Zerbi was in no mood to sugarcoat their outing against Brentford and expressed his surprise at both the result and their below-par performance.

Speaking after the full-time whistle, he said: “Bad game. We lost and suffered the difference in the duels. It was the key of this game. We didn’t fight in the right way. Maybe credit to them because it’s the best quality Brentford have.

“Our physical condition was not at the right level for all players because many came later after the World Cup and there were many new players in the squad and first XI. But we have to analyse this game better because we can’t play this way in this type of game.

“I am surprised by the result and performance. I knew we were not in the right condition. We can’t find an excuse. I am sorry for the result and performance. We are starting a new project and we couldn’t find the principal."

De Zerbi then suggested Sandro Tonali was far from his physical peak alongside Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke.

“Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Sandro Tonali are not in the best physical condition. We knew that before the game. We have to improve on that and many other things, like organisation and pressing.

“We can improve quickly but first, we have to understand this game better. I know their physical condition and new players but we have to put something more. We had to fight more. Players know I have a lot of confidence in them and we hope to improve quickly.”

Sandro Tonali speaks out after Brentford defeat

Despite the result, Tonali remained upbeat about the project at Tottenham and jumped to the defence of Roberto De Zerbi.

"He (De Zerbi) is giving us a lot—not just me, but all the players. He knows it will be a long process, but he’s 100% positive. He loves us and is recreating the soul that has crumbled a bit over the last few seasons," Tonali told Italian channel Sky Sport.

"I am positive about both our qualities and the kind of people we are. We’re human beings, and he’s gradually rebuilding the spirit that had somewhat crumbled over the last two seasons."

Tonali added: "It’s tough because we lost, but it’s great to see that everyone cares, that everyone is on the same page. So now we just have to work; the only thing to do is stay united."