JuicyTalk
Roberto De Zerbi has spoken to the media for the first time as Tottenham’s head coach
Roberto De Zerbi has admitted that losing Mohammed Kudus to surgery was a painful blow to his plans at Tottenham, but insists he has the resources to fight for Premier League survival – and backed several players to step up in the Italian’s first press conference as head coach.
Kudus has been ruled out for around three months after suffering a hamstring setback that will require surgery, ending his season and putting his World Cup place with Ghana in serious doubt.
For De Zerbi, who has inherited a club sitting 17th with seven games remaining, it was not the start he needed.
“I started with not big luck,” he said. “Kudus was in my head a crucial player, especially for the position. But we have to look forward. I think we have a lot of very good attackers. Kolo Muani – I know he is not playing a good season but he is a good player. Mathys Tel I wanted at Marseille, Xavi is a big talent. Richarlison and Solanke as well – you probably know better than me.”
Injury Update Ahead of Sunderland
Vicario, who underwent hernia surgery during the international break, remains a doubt for Sunday’s trip to the Stadium of Light, with De Zerbi cautiously hopeful about his return.
“Vicario is not ready for this game,” he confirmed. “I hope he can come back next week but I don’t know yet. Bentancur is working with us but not completely, but we have enough to fight, to play, to make points.”
Antonin Kinsky is expected to deputise in goal, stepping in for the first time since his difficult night at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
‘The Fans Are Suffering Like Us’
When asked what message he had for a Spurs fanbase that has endured a difficult season, De Zerbi turned the question around. The responsibility, in his view, belongs on the pitch.
“I haven’t any message for the fans,” he said. “Also in the last game they were fantastic before the game. The message for my staff and players is we have to deserve their support because the fans are suffering like us, like the players. There is just one club, one team. The players can change team but the fans – the club is unique. We need to make the fans happy with the right football, the right spirit and behaviour on the pitch.”
Surprises on the training pitch
Asked whether any players had surprised him during his first week of training sessions, De Zerbi spoke with the enthusiasm of a manager who has found more to work with than the table suggests.
“In the last period I watch a lot of games, especially of Tottenham, and yes, one thing is to watch the game at home and a different thing is to work with them on the pitch,” he said.
“We have very big players, young players, Bergvall, Archie Gray, Mathys Tel, Xavi Simons, but in a way we have older players that are important like Van de Ven. Van de Ven is a crucial player for me, like Romero, like Porro, like Solanke.
“I want to see again the same Gallagher I loved in Chelsea time. And I think I am lucky because I have a big confidence in my players and their qualities. For me, my target is to help them to play well and to enjoy with the ball because their characteristics are very clear for me.”
