Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi warns unhappy players to leave club
Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto de Zerbi has warned that any players who are not proud and happy to represent the club must leave this summer, amid ongoing speculation regarding Lucas Bergvall’s future.
The Italian tactician made his feelings clear ahead of a pre-season friendly against Auckland FC in New Zealand.
His uncompromising stance comes as Nottingham Forest prepare an improved £45m offer for the Sweden midfielder, having seen an initial £38m bid rejected.
Demand for motivation and pride
The former Brighton manager took charge of the north London side late last March, successfully steering them away from the threat of Premier League relegation.
“I said, who doesn’t want to stay in Tottenham? Who is not happy, is not proud to stay here, has to leave,” De Zerbi stated.
“I want the players to be proud and happy to stay here, to go on the pitch in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with big motivation.”
Midfield competition intensifies
Bergvall saw his playing time severely restricted under the new regime during the closing stages of the previous campaign.
The 20-year-old started the manager’s first match in charge against Sunderland but was subsequently limited to just four substitute appearances.
Competition for places has only intensified following a massive £185m double swoop for top-tier midfielders.
Spurs have secured Sandro Tonali in a blockbuster deal from Newcastle United, alongside Mateus Fernandes from West Ham.
Upcoming talks and transfer targets
“I have not spoken with Lucas yet. I will in the next days and we will make the best decision for the club, for Lucas, for me, for every one of us, without problems,” De Zerbi added.
The head coach noted that if the Swedish talent wishes to depart, a solution will be found alongside sporting director Johan Lange and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham.
The Tottenham hierarchy has already reinforced the defence with the acquisitions of Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, and Marcos Senesi.
Attention will now shift towards bolstering the attacking line before the summer window closes.
Injury updates on key attackers
“We have to finish, we have to bring another couple of, maybe more, maybe not less, but a couple of players,” he confirmed.
Meanwhile, influential wingers Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski have remained in London to continue their rehabilitation from long-term setbacks.
The Ghanaian international is nearing full fitness following a thigh issue and is expected to resume team training shortly.
However, the medical staff will need another couple of weeks to assess Kulusevski’s recovery from a severe knee injury.