Roberto De Zerbi says “not all leaders are the same” after being quizzed on captain Cristian Romero’s choice to fly to Argentina as an alternative of attending Tottenham’s sport in opposition to Everton with their Premier League survival at stake.
Spurs are seventeenth within the desk, two factors forward of West Ham with a superior objective distinction, forward of internet hosting the Toffees on Sunday, dwell on Sky Sports activities.
Studies have since emerged that Romero, who was not current for the defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, wouldn’t be in attendance after flying to Argentina to observe boyhood membership Belgrano face River Plate in a title decider on Sunday as an alternative.
When requested concerning the state of affairs forward of dealing with Everton, De Zerbi stated: “Sometimes, not all the leaders are the same. Ben Davies spoke with me and asked to stay today to work with us. Tomorrow, we sleep in the hotel.
“He wished to stick with the group and team-mates. Romero is getting ready for the World Cup with an damage. For me, nothing modified.
“Then we have to think, everything is for the best future of Tottenham.”
Romero has been sidelined since April with a knee damage and has been dominated out for the season.
De Zerbi was then quizzed on how the choice to permit Romero to depart the nation was reached: “He spoke with the medical staff. Together, they decided to go to Argentina to complete rehab with Argentinian medical staff.
“We spoke final week. With me, he has proven he needs to stick with us. I wish to be clear, I’m not silly. If I perceive that there’s a participant who thinks for himself earlier than the membership, I can’t be the identical Roberto.
“With Romero, I can’t say nothing. With me, in my time, he has been correct at the beginning until now.”
De Zerbi understands Romero criticism however uncertain on future
Romero has obtained widespread criticism from the fanbase for the choice to depart the nation whereas the membership is in such a deadly place.
“100 per cent I understand,” De Zerbi continued when frustration from supporters was raised within the press convention.
“I don’t know. Cristian is a top player and with me, he was a top guy. When I say top guy, it is because I am certain what I am seeing.”
The Argentina defender has often been linked with a transfer away from the membership since his arrival in 2022 however signed a brand new contract, committing his future till 2029, final August following the Europa League victory in opposition to Manchester United in Bilbao.
Has Romero performed his final sport for Spurs?
The most recent pressure on the connection between the captain and fanbase has led to doubts rising relating to his future as we method the summer time switch window.
“For the future, I don’t know,” De Zerbi stated on whether or not Romero had performed his closing sport for the membership “It is a crucial game for a fans and our club. I don’t want answers on Romero.
“My focus is on Djed Spence, Kolo Muani and Richarlison [and more]. We now have to play with blood, character and spirit as a result of it’s a closing.
“They played a great final last season and they won a trophy. Maybe there was a bonus. After tomorrow, there is not a trophy or a bonus, there is something more important, the future and the history of the club. The pride of the players and the dignity of everyone of us.
“For that, I can not lose power considering of the subsequent season. I’ll repeat, I’m not silly.”
