Spurs in 'Tough Moment' as De Zerbi Apologizes for League Cup Exit

Tottenham Hotspur finds itself in a "tough moment," as admitted by manager Roberto De Zerbi, following a disheartening 3-1 defeat against Liverpool in the League Cup. The exit on Tuesday (September 15, 2026), at a rain-lashed Anfield, extinguished Tottenham's hopes of a morale-boosting cup run after a woeful start to the Premier League season.

The North London club was decisively beaten by Liverpool, with goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai sealing the Reds' victory. Conor Gallagher's reply, which came when Tottenham was already trailing 2-0, marked their first goal against a top-flight opponent this term. De Zerbi's team currently sits fourth-bottom in the Premier League, without a win in their first four league matches, recording two losses and two draws.

De Zerbi expressed his frustration, claiming Tottenham has been unlucky this season.

We have to shoot more times, we have to shoot better, but we are sorry for the result, disappointed, frustrated for the result,

he stated.

He added, "I think, unfair, but we have to accept and to be stronger than this unlucky moment." He cited recent games against Newcastle, Everton, and Nottingham, as well as the Liverpool match, where he felt luck was not on their side. Tottenham's only victory this season came in the League Cup against second-tier Charlton.

Despite having spent over £300 million ($404 million) on 10 new signings since the end of last season, a period following successive 17th-place finishes, including avoiding relegation on the final day, the team's performance has yet to meet expectations. De Zerbi's decision to make eight changes from the previous weekend's draw with Everton proved to be a gamble that backfired, as his side was overcome by an under-strength Liverpool lineup.

However, the former Marseille boss, who saved Tottenham from relegation after his appointment late last season, remains confident they are on the right path.

I think watching the game, the last three games, four games, maybe until minute 60 with Newcastle, I think we are in the right way,

De Zerbi asserted.

"I believe in my players, I have a big confidence, a big opinion of my players, and when we arrive to find the click, to win a game… the qualities of the players are incredible." Accepting personal responsibility for Tottenham's struggles, De Zerbi vowed that the team would bounce back in their upcoming home match against Aston Villa on Saturday. "I'm sorry, and it's my responsibility...

It's a tough moment, but we have to be stronger to prepare our best for the next game with Villa and to find this click."

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