Tottenham’s Roberto De Zerbi on Chelsea’s Firepower in Pre-Match Presser

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Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi spoke to the media on the eve of Saturday’s Premier League game at Chelsea, which kicks off at 5.30pm on Saturday 24 October at Stamford Bridge. Chris Kavanagh is the referee.

The main themes were squad availability, with doubts over Maddison and Kulusevski, his reluctance to take injury risks, Tottenham’s record at Stamford Bridge and the quality of Chelsea’s attack.

A derby against a good team

“Yes, it’s a derby against one very good team, very good coach, they have a clear style of play, great players, but also Tottenham players are very good.”

What he said

De Zerbi described the game as a derby and spoke well of Chelsea’s coach, their style of play and their players. He also said Tottenham’s own players are very good.

What he meant

Analysis: He praised Chelsea and then turned to his own squad, which is a balanced way of framing the game. Tottenham are 16th with 6 points from seven matches and Chelsea are fourth with 13, so the table gives him good reason to acknowledge the opposition first.

Chelsea’s front three

“One of the best, for sure.”

What he said

Asked about Chelsea’s front three, De Zerbi placed them among the best in the league.

What he meant

Analysis: The numbers support the comment. Chelsea have scored 17 goals in seven league games, against Tottenham’s 6. They have also scored 5-1 against Bournemouth and 2-0 at Everton in their last two matches.

The record at Stamford Bridge

“I think it’s not just this negative record. There are many, many negative records, but for me it’s one motivation more.”

What he said

De Zerbi was asked about Tottenham’s record at Stamford Bridge. He said it is one of many negative records and that he sees it as extra motivation.

What he meant

Analysis: He chose to present the history as a source of motivation rather than a burden. Tottenham have won one of their seven league games this season, so there is little recent form to lean on, and he appears to be using the record as a rallying point.

Who is available

“Pedro is back, Robertson is available, Marmoush is good, Solanke is good. Lucas Bergvall, Savio, nothing more I think… Bentancur.”

What he said

De Zerbi ran through his squad news. He said Pedro is back, Robertson is available, and Marmoush and Solanke are good. He then named Lucas Bergvall, Savio and Bentancur.

He also said Udogie is not available. Wilson Odobert, Xavi Simons and Mykhaylo Mudryk are listed as absent through injury.

What he meant

Analysis: The update is mostly positive for Tottenham, with several players returning or ready. The absences are still significant, as Odobert and Simons have cruciate ligament tears and Mudryk has an ankle injury. Udogie’s unavailability adds to the list.

Maddison’s fitness

“I don’t know, because in the first three days Maddison didn’t work with us, I don’t know if he’s ready for tomorrow.”

What he said

De Zerbi said he did not know whether Maddison would be ready for Saturday. Maddison did not train with the group in the first three days of the week.

What he meant

Analysis: De Zerbi did not rule Maddison in or out, which suggests the decision will be made late. Missing three days of group training is a reason for him to be careful about selection.

Kulusevski’s training

“Kulusevski worked well, but in the first days he stayed individual.”

What he said

De Zerbi said Kulusevski trained well but worked on an individual programme in the early part of the week.

What he meant

Analysis: His words were positive about the work done, though the first days apart from the group leave the picture less clear than for those who trained throughout. He gave no firm verdict on whether Kulusevski will start.

No risks with injuries

“Like I said many times, I don’t want to take risks, because if you analyse this period of European football, you can see many injuries, not for Tottenham, for everyone. So if I can, I don’t want to take risks to lose many players for many games.”

What he said

De Zerbi said he has stated many times that he does not want to take risks with fitness. He pointed to the number of injuries across European football at this point in the season, and said he wants to avoid losing players for several games.

What he meant

Analysis: This is the likely explanation for his caution over Maddison and Kulusevski. Tottenham already have three players out with injuries, two of them cruciate ligament tears, so he has reason to protect the players he has. It suggests he would rather leave a doubtful player out than risk a longer absence.

Confidence check: Measured

De Zerbi sounded measured rather than bullish. He spoke respectfully about Chelsea, calling them “one very good team”, and gave no firm word on two of his doubtful players. His comments on injury risk suggest he is prepared to be careful with team selection.

The form and table facts explain the tone. Tottenham are 16th with one win in seven league games and have won one of their last five, drawing three. Chelsea are fourth and have won two of their last five, so the contrast in recent form is less sharp than in the table.

Tottenham beat Coventry City 3-1 on 19 October, their most recent result, and he framed the Stamford Bridge record as “one motivation more”. That showed some optimism without any prediction of the result.

How to watch

Chelsea vs Tottenham kicks off at 5.30pm UK time on Saturday 24 October, live on Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Main Event, NOW. Subscribers can stream it on Sky Go, NOW.

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