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Roberto De Zerbi spoke to the media for the first time as Tottenham head coach
Roberto De Zerbi admitted that the loss of Mohamed Kudus after surgery was a painful blow to his plans in Tottenhambut insists it has the resources to fight for Premier League survival – and backed several players to step up at 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 place at the World Cup with Ghana in serious doubt.
For De Zerbi, who inherited a club sitting in 17th place with seven games remaining, it was not the start he needed.
« I started out without much luck, » he said. « In my head, Kudus was a crucial player, especially for the position. But we have to look forward. I think we have very, very good strikers. Kolo Mouani – I know he’s not having a good season, but he’s a good player. Mathis Tell I wanted at Marseille, Xavi is a big talent. Richarlison and Solanke too – 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 of 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. Bentancourt is working with us, but not completely, but we have enough to fight, to play, to get points. »
Antonin Kinski is expected to fill in for the goalkeeper, coming on for the first time since his difficult night at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
« Fans are suffering like us »
When asked what message he has for the Spurs fanbase who have endured a difficult season, De Zerbi turned the question around. According to him, the responsibility is on the field.
« I don’t have any message for the fans, » he said. « Also in the last game they were fantastic before the game. The message to my staff and the players is that we have to earn their support because the fans suffer like us, like the players. There is only one club, one team. Players can change teams, but the fans – the club is unique. We have to make the fans happy with the right football, the right spirit and behavior on the pitch. »
Surprises on the training ground
Asked if any players had surprised him during his first week of training, De Zerby spoke with the enthusiasm of a manager who has found more to work with than the scoreboard shows.
« In the last period I have been watching a lot of games, especially Tottenham, and yes, it is one thing to watch the game at home and another thing to work with them on the pitch, » he said.
« We have a lot of big players, young players, Bergvall, Archie Gray, Mathis Tell, Xavi Simmons, but in a way we have older players who are important like Van de Ven. Van de Ven is a key player for me, like Romero, like Poro, like Solanke.
« I want to see the same Gallagher that I loved at Chelsea again. And I think I’m lucky because I have a lot of confidence in my players and their qualities. For me, my goal is to help them play well and enjoy the ball because their characteristics are very clear to me. »
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#started #luck
