Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi delivered an honest and emotional assessment of his team ahead of their clash with Brighton & Hove Albion, as reported by Tottenham via their youtube channel.
This comes after Tottenham confirmed De Zerbi as manager on a long-term deal, following the departure of Igor Tudor after a poor run of results.
Speaking on the injury to captain Cristian Romero, De Zerbi said:
I’m really sorry for him for his injury. Romero first of all loves Tottenham and the people have to know he’s suffering for this injury. He’s suffering because he can’t play anymore for us this season, but he’s a great captain for us and for Tottenham as welL.
Despite the setback, he remains focused on finding solutions within the squad:
We have to be anyway positive. We have Radu Dragusin and Kevin Danso, they are able to play well, to give us quality with the ball and to be strong in defensive space. So we can win anyway and we want to win anyway.
On building the team during a difficult period, De Zerbi emphasized unity over tactics:
I believe in the people, I believe in the human relationship, I believe in the spirit. Before speaking about tactical disposition or style of play, I work with people, with their problems. We have to rebuild the best relationship we can find.
He also revealed efforts to improve morale off the pitch:
Yes, we went for dinner. I don’t know if we win because of the dinner, but we ate very well. The food was amazing. And if we win, I’m ready to pay every week one dinner.
On what the team must do now, he was very clear:
We have no time to lose. We have to be focused on the next game and transfer confidence. The qualities of the players are important, but the spirit, the relationship and the love for the club are more important.
De Zerbi believes one win could change everything mentally:
It’s crucial to win a game. Not just for the table, but because we need to feel again what it means to win. To achieve big targets, you have to go through difficult moments.
He also showed respect to his former club and their current coach:
Fabian is a great coach, he’s doing very well. I love Brighton, I love my former players, and I have great memories there.
Watch video below;
With pressure mounting and the season nearing its end, softfootball took to note that De Zerbi made it clear that belief, unity, and resilience will be key if Tottenham are to turn things around.
