Tottenham manager De Zerbi states uncommitted players are free to leave
De Zerbi’s Stance on Player Commitment
Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has stated that any player not fully committed to the club should consider departing during the current transfer window. These comments were made ahead of Spurs‘ pre-season friendly against Auckland FC. De Zerbi emphasised his desire for players who are proud and happy to represent Tottenham.
De Zerbi’s clear message highlights the importance of motivation within the squad. He noted that in modern football, motivation can be a significant differentiator, referencing the World Cup as an example. The manager wants players who are eager to step onto the pitch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with strong motivation.
Discussions Regarding Player Futures
The manager’s remarks come amid ongoing speculation regarding the futures of several players, including Lucas Bergvall and Cristian Romero. Bergvall, who joined Spurs from Djurgarden, has been linked with a move away, with reports indicating interest from Nottingham Forest. Forest reportedly had a bid rejected for Bergvall, who signed a new deal until 2031 in April.
De Zerbi confirmed that he has not yet spoken with Bergvall about his future but plans to do so in the coming days. He stated that the decision made will be in the best interest of the club, Bergvall, and everyone involved. The manager acknowledged Bergvall as a significant talent and mentioned that there will be considerable competition for places, with the aim of having two players for each position.
“I was very clear at the start of my time in Tottenham. I said, who doesn’t want to stay in Tottenham? Who is not happy, is not proud to stay here, has to leave,” De Zerbi said. “I want the players to be proud and happy to stay here, to go on the pitch in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with big motivation.”
Romero has also been mentioned in connection with a potential move, with Serie A club Inter cited as a possible destination. The future of Micky van de Ven in north London also remains uncertain.
De Zerbi also addressed the absences of Pape Matar Sarr and Rodrigo Bentancur from the pre-season tour. He explained that both players had minor issues and were granted an additional week before reporting for training. Bentancur, described as a crucial player, requested the extra time due to a demanding previous season, while Sarr had a personal matter.
Squad Reinforcements and Injury Updates
Despite significant transfer activity this summer, De Zerbi indicated that Tottenham’s transfer business is not yet complete. The club has brought in several players, including Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, and Jan Paul van Hecke, with Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, and Martin Dubravka joining on free transfers. De Zerbi expressed satisfaction with the current progress but noted that the team is looking to add more players, ideally two more in attacking roles.
The manager provided updates on injured offensive players Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski. Kudus is reportedly close to a return and is expected to be available to work with the team upon their return to London. De Zerbi highlighted Kudus as another important player for the squad.
The situation with Kulusevski requires a more cautious approach. De Zerbi stated that the club needs to assess his condition over the next couple of weeks. Given that Kulusevski has not played competitive football for an extended period, the focus is on avoiding risks for his recovery and for the team.
Tottenham’s pre-season tour includes a match against Auckland FC, scheduled for Sunday at 3:00 p.m. local time in New Zealand.
Source: cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com
Isla Hartley is a Sports Reporter at NewsUK. She covered the British summer of sport from Wimbledon to the Test grounds. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sports Studies from the University of Stirling and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Glasgow, she runs half-marathons and follows Scottish athletics. “The overlooked athlete usually has the better story.”
