De Zerbi claims Tottenham squad requires a paternal figure more than a manager following opening defeat

The Italian manager assumed control from temporary head Igor Tudor towards the close of the previous month, and Tottenham commenced his initial Premier League fixture under his guidance in the relegation places after West Ham's triumph over Wolves on Friday evening.

The loss, resulting from Nordi Mukiele's significantly deflected effort during the latter period of the match, positioned them two points adrift of the Hammers with only six fixtures remaining.

Tottenham have failed to secure a Premier League victory since the latter part of December and now confront a formidable struggle to evade their inaugural drop from the top flight since 1977.

However, De Zerbi, previously at the helm of Brighton and Marseille and now the London outfit's third appointment amid a dismal campaign, insisted that a single triumph could transform the atmosphere.

We must concentrate on securing one victory, as it could alter the entire trajectory of our season, he remarked to Sky Sports.

I dedicate 24 hours each day, so time constraints are not an issue. We generated opportunities during the opening half, consistent with our efforts throughout the week.

The squad possesses exceptional talent, yet we need to foster greater self belief, and the essential step is to claim that first win.

We are capable of far superior performances compared to today, though after merely five or six practice sessions, progress is challenging. Collectively, we must maintain concentration to achieve that breakthrough victory.

Tottenham are scheduled to meet Brighton in the upcoming week, followed by an encounter with basement dwellers Wolves, though pinpointing the source of their subsequent success remains elusive.

De Zerbi assessed his fresh charges, who have suffered defeat in half of their 32 league outings this term, as talented yet plagued by a lack of assurance.

I can serve as an elder sibling or a father figure, rather than merely a coach, he conveyed to the BBC. Football enhancement is not the priority. They already possess the skill to excel, and they will do so once confidence levels rise.