Roberto De Zerbi plays down rift with Mathys Tel after Tottenham’s 0-0 with Everton | OneFootball

Roberto De Zerbi has downplayed talk of a rift with Mathys Tel after Tottenham’s 0-0 home draw with Everton, describing their animated post-match exchange as on-field coaching.

According to Goal.com, cameras showed the Spurs head coach outlining positional demands to the 21-year-old moments after full-time. Spurs are still without a Premier League goal after four matches.

De Zerbi said he had been pointing Tel towards the goal and reminding him of centre-forward fundamentals. With James Maddison, Mohammed Kudus and Savio supplying, he wants Tel to occupy striker spaces and face the goal in possession.

He also referenced deliveries from the flanks, noting Tel should attack the box and stay inside on crosses, including from Robertson. The manager added that while Tel has featured wide recently, he began his career as a striker.

The exchange followed a week of criticism after Nottingham Forest, with Tel dropped to the bench against the Toffees. Dominic Solanke returned to the XI for the first time since April but Spurs’ finishing issues persisted.

De Zerbi insisted his relationship with the former Bayern Munich forward is sound, stressing his tough-love approach reflects belief in the player’s potential.

Boos met the final whistle as frustration grew. Attention now turns to the Carabao Cup, with a midweek trip to Anfield to face Liverpool.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”