‘I’d Be the Best Coach in Italy!’ – De Zerbi Defends Spurs Despite Historic Goal Drought
Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has offered a surprising defense of his team’s recent performances after Spurs were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Everton.
Tottenham’s attacking problems have now reached a historic level, with the club failing to score in their first four Premier League matches of the season for the first time in their history. However, De Zerbi has chosen to focus on the improvements he has seen defensively.
De Zerbi highlights defensive progress
Rather than concentrating on Tottenham’s lack of goals, De Zerbi pointed to the team’s defensive record as evidence that his tactical methods are beginning to produce results.
Spurs have kept consecutive clean sheets against Nottingham Forest and Everton, something the Italian believes deserves recognition.
Speaking after the match, De Zerbi jokingly suggested that his defensive record would have earned him significant praise from the Italian media.
“For example, in Italy, I should be the best coach, no? Two games, two clean sheets,” De Zerbi said. “What would La Gazzetta dello Sport write? Two clean sheets. What are you going to write tomorrow – a clean sheet or no goals?”
Tottenham’s attacking problems continue
Despite the manager’s optimism, Tottenham’s inability to find the net remains a major concern.
After losing to Brentford and Newcastle United earlier in the campaign and then drawing a blank against Nottingham Forest, Spurs have now gone four consecutive league games without scoring.
The latest goalless draw against Everton only increased the pressure on Tottenham’s attacking players and raised further questions about the team’s creativity and effectiveness in the final third.
De Zerbi explains Mathys Tel confrontation
The frustration was also visible after the final whistle when De Zerbi was seen speaking intensely with Mathys Tel on the pitch.
Tel had entered the game as a substitute but struggled to make a significant impact. De Zerbi, however, insisted there was no major issue between the pair and explained that he was simply giving the youngster tactical instructions.
The Spurs boss explained that Tel needed to position himself more like a striker when Tottenham were attacking, particularly when players such as James Maddison, Mohammed Kudus and Savinho were supplying the ball.
De Zerbi also pointed out that although Tel has recently operated more from the wing, he originally developed as a striker and must therefore recognize when to attack central areas.
The Italian manager played down the incident and insisted that there was “not a problem”, while also reiterating his support for the young forward.
No Goals, But De Zerbi Has a Surprising Message for Critics After Tottenham’s Everton Draw
