It’s been a busy summer for Tottenham as they seek to avoid a third successive relegation fight in 2026-27.
Spurs have spent big money on six new players with Savinho and Omar Marmoush still expected to join from Man City before the end of the window.
Four of those six new boys started in their Premier League opener against Brentford but did little to prevent a heavy 3-0 defeat.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the game, De Zerbi claimed that Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Sandro Tonali are ‘not in the best condition.’
"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," he said.
"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.
"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."
On more signings: "I don't want the excuse that the first XI was not enough to compete and get a result. Brentford's spirit on the pitch was great, it has to be the right example for us."