De Zerbi breaks silence on Savio, transfers, Maddison and Williams-Barnett
Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi has provided a wide-ranging update ahead of the Carabao Cup clash with Charlton, discussing new signing Savio, the possibility of more transfers, James Maddison’s injury and the progress of academy youngster Luca Williams-Barnett.
Savio recently completed his £75 million move from Manchester City, with a further £10 million potentially payable in add-ons. The deal takes Tottenham’s summer spending to around £319 million for seven new players, although De Zerbi has indicated that Spurs could still be active before the transfer window closes.
De Zerbi on Savio
De Zerbi believes Savio can bring an important quality to Tottenham’s attack, particularly his ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations.
The Spurs boss explained that the team needs attackers capable of creating chances and making things happen in the final third. He considers Savio one of the best young players in the world when it comes to taking on opponents.
However, De Zerbi wants the Brazilian to add more goals to his game.
He believes Savio already possesses the ability to create chances, provide assists and dribble past defenders, but must develop the habit of scoring more regularly if he wants to reach the highest level.
More transfers could still happen
When asked about another attacking signing, De Zerbi refused to discuss individual players from other clubs.
However, he admitted that Tottenham are continuing to work hard in the transfer market.
Spurs have been linked with another Manchester City attacker, Omar Marmoush, while Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has also reportedly been on the club’s radar.
De Zerbi stressed that the transfer market becomes increasingly difficult once the season has already started, but insisted that Tottenham are working well behind the scenes.
Maddison suffers injury setback
De Zerbi also confirmed a setback for James Maddison.
The midfielder has suffered a small shoulder injury and will not be available for the Carabao Cup meeting with Charlton.
The news comes as another frustration for Maddison, who has already dealt with fitness issues and had only recently returned to action.
Williams-Barnett set for involvement
There was positive news for Tottenham supporters regarding highly-rated academy prospect Luca Williams-Barnett.
De Zerbi confirmed that the youngster will be included on the bench against Charlton.
The manager revealed that he had originally planned to introduce Williams-Barnett during the second half against Brentford, but the situation of the match made it impossible.
De Zerbi reiterated his strong belief in Tottenham’s academy and insisted that young players deserve genuine opportunities when they are ready.
De Zerbi demands a response
The Tottenham boss also reflected on Saturday’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Brentford.
While admitting that his team must improve significantly, De Zerbi remained calm and insisted that the performance did not represent the Tottenham he wants to build.
He believes the club is still at the beginning of a new project and that the players need time to develop stronger relationships, understand his style of play and develop a collective identity.
With the Carabao Cup now providing an immediate chance to respond, De Zerbi wants Tottenham to start building a winning mentality and believes the squad has enough quality to perform far better than it did against Brentford.
For Spurs fans, the Charlton clash could therefore offer the first opportunity to see whether De Zerbi’s new-look Tottenham can begin turning their huge summer investment into results.
