Roberto De Zerbi has launched an impassioned rant against the negativity surrounding Tottenham's injury crisis, insisting his squad has the quality to stay up without their absent stars. The Spurs manager spoke for over four minutes at his press conference ahead of Sunday's crucial trip to Aston Villa, dismissing claims that the club's injury woes make success impossible.
Tottenham travel to Villa Park desperate for a win after ending a 16-game winless run with a 1-0 victory over Wolves last weekend. However, that win came at a cost, with Xavi Simons suffering a serious knee injury and Dominic Solanke forced off with a hamstring issue. The club now has 10 players out ahead of the relegation battle, with just two points separating them from 17th-placed West Ham.
De Zerbi, however, refused to dwell on the setbacks. 'The voice says we are unlucky, we have too many injuries, the medical staff is not good enough, the pitch is not good – it is all rubbish,' he said. 'If Solanke and Xavi are injured, we can play with Kolo Muani, Mathys Tel, Richarlison. They are not worse players. We have Pedro Porro, Udogie, Van de Ven, Bentancur, Palhinha, Gallagher. I have not too much to listen to these negative things.'
The Italian coach urged his squad and fans to maintain a positive mindset, insisting that a win at Villa Park is not a miracle. 'We have to die on the pitch. Before we lose the game, we have to play and fight. The losers cry. I don't want people close to me crying. We are good enough to stay up.'
