Graphic: Is Pavlyuchenko running on empty?

Juande Ramos has promised to turn around Tottenham Hotspur's fortunes after their worst start in 53 years, but some players have complained privately about being confused by his team selection, formation and rotation policy. The head coach has calculated that he needs to change up to four players each match because of concerns about injuries, players being cup-tied and the demands of the season. Tottenham have not won in the Barclays Premier League this season, scoring only four goals and conceding nine.

Why have Tottenham begun the campaign poorly?

A combination of reasons. The team are creating little from midfield and look unstable in defence when Ledley King is unavailable. Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov, who scored no fewer than 45 goals between them in each of the past two seasons, have left and the club are trying to integrate several new players, many foreign.

Does Ramos know his best team and formation?

Not yet, probably. He employed a 4-4-2 system with attacking full backs and wingers at Seville, but admitted in the summer that his system would be governed by his squad and has played 4-2-3-1 this season. Although flexibility can be a good thing, there has been little coherency in his plans. David Bentley has complained about playing in the hole and has been moved to the right wing. Luka Modric has been playing too deep or on the left wing, where, consequently, he has not been a threat. Roman Pavlyuchenko, who has previously played as a lone striker, is not a natural partner for Darren Bent, who likes to run on to the ball.

Has this affected Ramos getting his message across?

One of Ramos's perceived strengths has been making changes during matches, but Jermaine Jenas, in particular, looked lost during the 2-0 defeat by Portsmouth on Sunday when Bentley and Aaron Lennon swapped wings.

Did the club accomplish what they wanted in the transfer window?

No, they arguably ended with a weaker squad. In addition to the ten arrivals this summer, Ramos wanted a centre back, holding midfield player and experienced forward. They have needed a left winger for several years, but a bid for Diego Capel, whom Ramos wanted, was turned down by Seville. Some players whom Ramos wanted to sell remain without squad numbers: Kevin-Prince Boateng, Hossam Ghaly, Ricardo Rocha, Paul Stalteri and Adel Taarabt.

Why have the club allowed three main strikers to leave this calendar year?

Jermain Defoe, who had only 18 months left on his contract, refused to sign a new deal without a guarantee of a regular starting place. Tottenham expected to lose Berbatov and Bent, but Keane's request to leave was a surprise. Bent stayed because there was no acceptable offer and it soon became clear that the club were struggling to bring in a forward.

Why are they short of an experienced forward?

Ask Damien Comolli, the sporting director, who has known for a year that Berbatov wanted to leave. On deadline day, the club tried to sign Sergio García, but the forward joined Real Betis.

Is the management structure working?

It does not appear so. Proponents of the continental structure argue that it provides continuity of players should a manager leave, but the evidence suggests otherwise. Frank Arnesen, Comolli's predecessor, brought in 24 players in his season as sporting director four years ago. Four remain and only Tom Huddlestone plays.

Who is to blame?

Comolli has many questions to answer. Why has such a high percentage of the players whom he signed been made available for transfer within a season? Why did Pavlyuchenko sign with only days of the transfer window left? And if the plan was to pair him with Andrei Arshavin, why not pay Zenit St Petersburg's valuation of the Russia playmaker?

Are they too good to be caught up in a relegation battle?

West Ham United faced the same question twice in their past four seasons in the top flight. They were relegated in 2003.

Is Ramos facing the sack?

Not at present. Lifting the Carling Cup, the club's first trophy in nine years, bought him time and, after his success at Seville, he has not become a poor coach overnight.

How long will he be given to turn things around?

Daniel Levy, the chairman, gives people the chance to right the ship.

*****

Police have urged the FA to act against supporters of Tottenham Hotspur who verbally abused Sol Campbell, the Portsmouth defender, on Sunday, although nobody was arrested for the offence during the match at Fratton Park (Nick Szczepanik writes).

“The number of people involved was just too many for us to take action against individuals,” the Hampshire Police said. “We have made a complaint to the FA which will, hopefully, be dealt with.” The defender, who left Tottenham for Arsenal in 2001, is targeted every time he faces his former club.

“The FA takes these matters seriously and will investigate any alleged case,” an FA statement read.