Roberto De Zerbi has delivered a stinging assessment of his Tottenham Hotspur side following a chastening 3-0 defeat away to Brentford, declaring that the squad are not yet a proper team and are sorely lacking in fighting spirit.

The Italian manager pulled no punches in his post-match remarks, suggesting that Tottenham are unfinished work in progress — a group of players who have not yet developed the collective identity or competitive edge required to compete consistently at the top level.

The defeat at Brentford was a damaging result for Spurs, who were outfought and outplayed across all 90 minutes. De Zerbi's frank admissions signal that there remains significant work to do before Tottenham can meet the standards he demands.

His comments reflect a broader challenge facing the club: rebuilding not just the squad's technical quality, but its mentality and character. For a side with Tottenham's resources and ambitions, conceding three goals without reply — and doing so without the requisite intensity — represents a deeply concerning afternoon.

De Zerbi has not shied away from difficult truths since arriving at the club, and his willingness to publicly critique his own players may be intended as a rallying call as much as an honest diagnosis. Whether Tottenham respond on the pitch remains to be seen.