Roberto De Zerbi has indicated that Tottenham Hotspur’s recent deployment of a three-at-the-back formation may be a temporary adjustment rather than a permanent change. The tactical shift, which helped Spurs secure their first Premier League victory of the season with a 3-1 win over Coventry City on Monday, was driven primarily by the absence of central midfielders Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall and the need to counteract the direct attacking threat posed by their opponents.

Since his appointment in March, De Zerbi had predominantly favored a traditional back four. However, the early stages of the new campaign have revealed ongoing challenges in finding a balanced lineup. Tottenham struggled offensively in the first four league matches, failing to score, and recorded a defeat against Aston Villa in a game where they conceded three goals despite managing to score twice. This inconsistency has left De Zerbi searching for the best combination of players and tactics.

Tottenham now prepare to face Chelsea, a matchup that raises additional questions about the team’s defensive solidity. Spurs have an unfavorable record at Chelsea’s home ground, having won only once in 41 visits over the past 36 years. As such, the defensive setup remains under scrutiny ahead of the fixture.

Central to discussions about Spurs’ defense are their two central defenders: Jan Paul van Hecke and Micky van de Ven. Van Hecke, a recent signing, has been a regular starter in every league game and was brought in following the departure of Cristian Romero. Known for his strong and aggressive defending, Van Hecke is also encouraged to take risks by advancing the ball out from the back or playing early forward passes. However, this approach has occasionally led to errors, including a costly mistake in possession that contributed to Coventry’s goal on Monday.

The partnership between Van Hecke and Van de Ven has drawn mixed views. Van Hecke appeared more comfortable when paired with Marcos Senesi during Tottenham’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United, as Senesi’s composure and passing ability provided stability. Senesi, though lacking Van de Ven’s pace, better suits De Zerbi’s preference for defenders who can effectively manage possession under pressure and influence the team’s buildup play.

With De Zerbi still fine-tuning his defensive options, the configuration of Tottenham’s backline remains a key focus as the team seeks to build momentum and address vulnerabilities ahead of challenging fixtures.