Soccer
Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi says Richarlison ‘decided everything alone’
Roberto De Zerbi has insisted Richarlison “decided everything alone” after the forward was left out of Tottenham’s Premier League squad.
Spurs announced their 25-man list for this season’s Premier League on Thursday and whilst injured duo Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert were included, Richarlison was left out after a dramatic week for the Brazil forward.
Richarlison’s absence occurred after De Zerbi confirmed on Saturday night that he was not involved in the 2-0 home loss to Newcastle because he had “said too many times he wants to leave”, which was followed by an emotional social media post from the 29-year-old.
During a post on his Instagram story, Richarlison claimed “never again will anyone decide my future for me”, but talks over a potential return to former club Everton stalled before Tuesday’s 11pm deadline in England.
Other transfer windows around the world remain open and Trabzonspor have been linked with Richarlison ahead of Friday’s deadline in Turkey whilst clubs in Saudi Arabia can sign players until Sunday, but if the ex-Everton forward remains at Tottenham, he is ineligible to play in the Premier League.
Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Nottingham Forest, De Zerbi defended his treatment of Richarlison, he said: “No, it was not my decision. It is the normal decision.”
“I think Richarlison, he decided everything alone. He spoke with me at the beginning of the pre-season and told me his idea and desire was to leave.
“At the end we go to bring another striker and like I said at the beginning of the pre-season, I want to keep the players, just the players that want to stay and be proud and with the right passion to stay here.
“Then for everything and other problems, it is not my business and not my job. It is the responsibility of the club.
“I can’t say nothing because I didn’t decide anything. The message of Richarlison from the beginning of the season has been very clear. I accepted that and for me (there is) nothing (to say).
“If you don’t want to stay here, I don’t want to keep (talking) in the press conference. Go out, you have the freedom to go out. If you don’t want to stay, why (do) we have to keep you on the list? Why (do) you have to stay?
“I’m not Vinai (Venkatesham), I’m not the sporting director, I am the coach and I would like to work with the people hungry if they don’t play but happy to stay in this club.”
Press Association understands Richarlison is not training with De Zerbi’s first-team group, but still working at the training ground on first-team pitches.
De Zerbi was asked why Lucas Bergvall had been reintegrated after he asked to leave earlier this summer, and the Italian said: “After 10 days in the pre-season, Lucas came and his agent as well went to Johan Lange to say, ‘Lucas is happy to stay,’ and Lucas showed me he wanted to stay.”
Spurs will have deadline-day arrival Mykhailo Mudryk available for the trip to the City Ground, but James Maddison (shoulder) could miss out.
“I think he’s ready right now to play 20, 15, 30 minutes,” De Zerbi said of Mudryk.
“The potential is clear and now his challenge is to respect all his qualities, because he’s a great player.”
