Roberto De Zerbi criticises Tottenham players after 3-2 home loss to Aston Villa | OneFootball

Roberto De Zerbi delivered a sharp assessment of his Tottenham players after a 3-2 home defeat to Aston Villa, criticising a lack of leadership and poor fitness, according to L'Équipe. The result leaves Spurs in the relegation places after five games without a win, three defeats and two draws.

The former OM coach said he would take responsibility, yet he condemned the team’s attitude after they trailed 3-0 with 10 minutes remaining.

He called it unacceptable to concede from a long clearance by the opposing goalkeeper, a threat he said had been stressed in numerous meetings. De Zerbi added that Spurs must defend compactly and that leaders have to guide the team.

Mateus Fernandes was singled out, with De Zerbi unhappy with his display and demanding more. The same message was directed at centre-forward Dominic Solanke.

Asked how to address the issues with an international break removing several players, he suggested the timing might actually help. Those heading away should play and work, he said, while Maddison, Gallagher, Solanke, Tosin (Adarabioyo), Senesi and Savio need to work harder. De Zerbi said he did not like the physical condition shown, even in this match.

Source: L'Équipe

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