De Zerbi explains his substitutions in draw with Nottingham Forest – and says Spurs must ‘keep more calm’ in attack | OneFootball

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has explained his decision to withdraw Savinho and Destiny Udogie after around an hour during the goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.

The pair were taken off as part of a pre-planned approach to managing their minutes following recent injury issues, with De Zerbi admitting it would have been dangerous to play them for the full 90 minutes.

“Before the game the plan was Savinho and Udogie, around 60 minutes. It was dangerous to play them more,” De Zerbi said.

“I’m not happy, but football is like this. Savinho has not the best physical condition to play 90 minutes. He’s an important player for us, a crucial player. Destiny is another crucial player for us.

“I think Kudus and Robertson played well, but it’s not so easy to come from the bench and adapt immediately.

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“I’m not happy when we have the plan, but it’s for my advantage, for my business, the management of the players after injuries.”

De Zerbi also provided an update on Mykhailo Mudryk, who came on as a late substitute but is still working towards full fitness.

“He’s not ready yet,” De Zerbi said.

“He’s working to reach the best physical condition, he needs time, he needs work.”

Tottenham secured a first point of the season at the City Ground but are still waiting for a first Premier League goal of the new campaign, and De Zerbi believes his side need to improve their decision-making in the final third.

“In the last third we have to improve, we have to take the better decisions,” he added.

“We have to maybe keep more calm when we are very close to do something important in the last third.”

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