Why this break has come at the worst time for De Zerbi & Spurs
BBC Sport columnist Tony Pulis explains the different factors that mean Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi needs time with his players to build a proper team.
Tottenham Hotspur's current break in the schedule comes at a critical juncture for new manager Roberto de Zerbi, who is still getting to know his players and implement his tactics. As BBC Sport columnist Tony Pulis points out, this hiatus could not have come at a worse time for De Zerbi, who requires continuous time on the training pitch to build cohesion and understanding among his team.
The challenges De Zerbi faces in building a cohesive unit are compounded by the fact that he is new to the club and has limited time to work with his players before the season resumes. In the Premier League, where competition is fierce and margins are small, having a well-oiled team machine can make all the difference between success and failure. De Zerbi's situation highlights the difficulties of adapting to a new team and style, especially mid-season.
As the break comes to an end and Spurs return to action, it will be interesting to see how quickly De Zerbi's team can gel and start producing results. The upcoming fixtures will provide a gauge of the team's progress and De Zerbi's ability to adapt to the demands of the Premier League. With several teams competing for European spots, Spurs' performance in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining their season's trajectory.
Originally reported by bbc.co.uk. NewsAvenue adds analysis for general news readers.