Roberto De Zerbi says “not all leaders are the identical” after being quizzed on captain Cristian Romero’s determination to fly to Argentina as a substitute of attending Tottenham’s sport towards Everton with their Premier League survival at stake.
Spurs are seventeenth within the desk, two factors forward of West Ham with a superior aim distinction, forward of internet hosting the Toffees on Sunday, reside on Sky Sports activities.
Experiences 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 look at boyhood membership Belgrano face River Plate in a title decider on Sunday as a substitute.
When requested in regards to the scenario forward of dealing with Everton, De Zerbi stated: “Typically, not all of the leaders are the identical. Ben Davies spoke with me and requested to remain in the present day to work with us. Tomorrow, we sleep within the lodge.
“He needed to stick with the group and team-mates. Romero is getting ready for the World Cup with an harm. For me, nothing modified.
“Then we’ve to suppose, all the pieces is for the most effective way forward for Tottenham.”
Romero has been sidelined since April with a knee harm 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 employees. Collectively, they determined to go to Argentina to finish rehab with Argentinian medical employees.
“We spoke final week. With me, he has proven he desires 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 am unable to say nothing. With me, in my time, he has been right originally till now.”
Romero’s season was ended by harm final month
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 dangerous place.
“100 per cent I perceive,” De Zerbi continued when frustration from supporters was raised within the press convention.
“I do not know. Cristian is a high participant and with me, he was a high man. Once I say high man, it’s as a result of I’m sure what I’m seeing.”
The Argentina defender has recurrently 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 towards Manchester United in Bilbao.
Has Romero performed his final sport for Spurs?
The newest pressure on the connection between the captain and fanbase has led to doubts rising concerning his future as we method the summer season switch window.
“For the long run, I do not know,” De Zerbi stated on whether or not Romero had performed his closing sport for the membership “It’s a essential sport for a followers and our membership. I do not need solutions on Romero.
“My focus is on Djed Spence, Kolo Muani and Richarlison [and more]. We have now to play with blood, character and spirit as a result of it’s a closing.
“They performed a terrific closing final season they usually received a trophy. Perhaps there was a bonus. After tomorrow, there may be not a trophy or a bonus, there’s something extra essential, the long run and the historical past of the membership. The satisfaction of the gamers and the dignity of everybody of us.
“For that, I am unable to lose vitality considering of the subsequent season. I’ll repeat, I’m not silly.”
