ROBERTO DE ZERBI has promised to change Tottenham’s mentality and take the League Cup seriously this season.

Spurs completed the transfer of long-term target Savinho from Manchester City today, but De Zerbi’s new-look team suffered a humbling opening-day 3-0 loss at Brentford on Saturday.

De Zerbi pulled off a rescue act to keep Tottenham in the Premier League in May after he ended a 16-match winless run in the division and masterminded a final day victory over Everton, but acknowledged it is a “challenge” to change the mentality of his squad.

Ahead of Wednesday’s second-round tie at home to Charlton, De Zerbi said of the League Cup: “For me it is like Premier League.

“I can’t and we are not in the condition to make differences. There is a game, we have to play well and get used to winning the game and the matches.

“We have to change the mood and we can yes, because we already did last season.

“Six games, three wins, two draws and one defeat in Chelsea in the last six and I heard last season we can’t win the game because the last game we won was in December.

“I think also the environment has to change and the players and people has to change this mentality. It is a challenge and when I said we have to become a team, I am speaking about this.”

De Zerbi was unsure whether Savinho could make his debut against Charlton due to uncertainty over his work permit status, but confirmed Pedro Porro and captain Micky van de Ven will be on the bench.

James Maddison is ruled out with a “small” shoulder problem and Mohammed Kudus is not ready, but De Zerbi said Dominic Solanke is “available to start the game.”

There could also be a second competitive Tottenham appearance for 17-year-old attacker Luca Williams-Barnett.

“He comes on the bench,” De Zerbi said: “My idea was to play with him as part of the second half in Brentford. Unfortunately it was not the right moment.”