Ex-Spurs star Gareth Bale speaks out on Tottenham's struggles and Roberto De Zerbi

Gareth Bale believes expectations at Tottenham Hotspur "need to be lowered a bit" this season following a rough start to the campaign.

Roberto De Zerbi's side, who avoided relegation to the EFL Championship on the final day last season following a hard-fought 1-0 home win against Everton , have failed to find the back of the net in their opening four top-flight games.

They scored five times in the Carabao Cup second round against Charlton Athletic but were knocked out of the competition on Tuesday following a 3-1 loss at Liverpool .

Nevertheless, Bale remains optimistic that the team will eventually find their rhythm, telling Sky Sports, via football.london : "Yeah, I think so [asked if Tottenham will be okay]. A lot of new signings. Sometimes it takes time to settle in.

"The manager has shown he is capable of playing good football. I think he still has the trust of everybody. There are a lot of new signings which takes a lot of time and I'm sure they will give him some time."

The former Tottenham winger - now retired - was then asked whether Spurs can still secure a European spot, to which he responded: "Hopefully, I think the expectation probably needs to be lowered a little bit considering we finished 17th twice in a row.

"I think an improvement was needed and obviously they've got the players to do that. Let's hope they gel soon and get going."

Tottenham welcome Aston Villa , who managed their first win of the season on Wednesday with a 3-1 victory at Coventry City, on Saturday as both sides pursue their maiden Premier League victory.

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De Zerbi is calling for greater clinical efficiency from his squad in attacking areas, remarking following the defeat at Anfield: "We have to shoot more times, we have to shoot better, we have to finish better the clear situations, but we are sorry for the result, disappointed, frustrated for the result.

"I think, unfair, but we have to accept and to be stronger than this unlucky moment, because I'm honest, I'm honest with myself and I'm honest with you, I think in these five, six games, we have been for sure not lucky with Newcastle, with Everton, even with Nottingham and tonight as well.

"A lot of things, because the first goal we conceded we didn't defend in the right way, and the second goal we could be closer with [Cody] Gakpo , but have to understand if we are in the right way or not, 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.

"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, I think we enjoy with these players, because the qualities of the players are incredible."