Premier League: Tottenham manager De Zerbi 'happy' with pre-season progress

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi said he was "happy for a lot of things" as the side returns to London unbeaten in three pre-season games after a 2-1 win over Chelsea in Sydney.

The Italian spent more than a week in New Zealand and Australia with his squad as he builds towards the new Premier League campaign where it aims to do better than its 17th place last season.

It heads home after beating Auckland FC 2-0, recording a shootout win after a 1-1 draw with Sydney FC and a gutsy victory over its London rival on Saturday despite playing most of the second half with 10 men.

"I'm happy for a lot of things. First of all, because we have spent a very important 10 days together. We worked very well," he said.

"I'm happy to work with these players. I'm looking forward to work with the other players who are in London -- (Rodrigo) Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, (Marcos) Senesi, (Mohammed) Kudus. "

Bentancur, Matar Sarr and Senesi all played at the World Cup while Kudus is recovering from an injury.

The tour gave De Zerbi an opportunity to give game time to a host of promising youngsters, as well as new signings Sandro Tonali, Andy Robertson and Marco Palestra.

He highlighted the importance of Tonali, Archie Gray, Ben Davies, Robertson and Lucas Bergvall, who all played a big part in the Chelsea victory which was sealed by Richarlison's 90th minute winner.

But the Italian also pinpointed several future prospects.

"I am so happy for the young players because Malachi (Hardy), Rio (Kyerematen), Tye (Hall), Kota (Takai), they have been in this period very important for us, very good players."

De Zerbi was particularly pleased with the way Spurs kept its composure when defender Kevin Danso was sent off for a reckless challenge three minutes into the second half against Chelsea.

He wants to see similar fight when Spurs kick off their Premier League campaign against Brentford on August 22.

"It's important to change the habits, because our habits in the last two seasons have been not good in terms of results," he said.

"It's important for us to win the game, to win the duels, to win the second ball and to play well in every position of the pitch. But yes, a very good 10 days."

Spurs play back-to-back friendlies against German side TSG Hoffenheim at home before the season starts.

De Zerbi unsure over Richarlison's future

However, De Zerbi is unsure whether Richarlison will stay at the club, saying the Brazilian forward "sometimes" wants to leave.

The 29-year-old Richarlison reinforced his importance with a last-minute winner against Chelsea. He also scored in Spurs' 2-0 win over Auckland.

Richarlison's fate has come into focus after Tottenham's aggressive summer of spending to boost its fortunes.

Tottenham is yet to recruit a striker, but De Zerbi has made clear he is not finished in the transfer market yet with Manchester City forward Savinho among those reportedly in his sights.

"I don't know," De Zerbi said when asked about Richarlison's future after the Chelsea match.

"As a player, as a guy, it is unbelievable his attitude and behaviour, but at the end we have to respect what he wants to do.

"For me he is still an important player because it is not so easy to find another striker as Richarlison, because Richarlison scores goals and he knows the way."

Pressed on whether he would leave, De Zerbi said: "I don't know, I didn't understand well, because sometimes he said to stay, sometimes he leaves.

"We have to speak anyway, there is not any problem. He is a lovely guy.

"All of us love him, the teammates, the club, the staff, because he works hard every day, seriously every day, and we can't say anything else."

Richarlison, who is entering the final year of his contract, scored 12 goals last season.

Published on Aug 02, 2026

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