De Zerbi Denies Role in Richarlison’s Tottenham Exile

Roberto De Zerbi has insisted he did not make the call to freeze Richarlison out at Tottenham, telling the Brazilian to approach club figures Vinai or Johan for answers as the forward’s future in north London grows increasingly uncertain.

Asked about Richarlison’s pointed Instagram response to Duncan Ferguson’s criticism of Spurs, De Zerbi said the matter was no longer his responsibility. The Italian said he had not taken the decision himself, while stressing that a coach is often expected to carry the blame even when an issue has been decided elsewhere.

De Zerbi said Richarlison is welcome to speak with him privately, adding that he is available at his office from early morning until evening. But he made clear that he does not intend to prolong the public discussion, with Monday night’s home match against Coventry City now his priority.

Richarlison, 29, has not played for Tottenham’s first team since the 3-0 loss at Brentford in August. Proposed summer moves to Everton, where he previously played, and Brazilian club Vasco da Gama did not go through, and he was then left out of Spurs’ 25-player Premier League squad.

The striker has since been sent to the Under-21s. He featured in Tuesday’s Jersey Mike’s Trophy tie against Cheltenham Town, scoring in the 2-2 draw and then converting his penalty in a shootout Spurs lost 7-6. He was also praised for his conduct after the match, taking pictures and signing for supporters.

Ferguson, who worked with Richarlison during his spell as Everton’s interim manager, argued that Tottenham should try to bring the forward back into the fold. Speaking on the Overlap Daily podcast, the former Everton striker suggested there must have been a major dispute if a player of Richarlison’s ability had been excluded so completely.

He said Tottenham should be putting an arm around the forward and trying to restore him, adding that only an extreme training-ground incident would justify leaving out a player of his quality. Ferguson also questioned whether Spurs could afford to ignore him given their own problems.

Richarlison responded publicly soon afterwards, thanking Ferguson and saying the former Everton manager was right — a message widely interpreted as criticism of De Zerbi and the club’s handling of his situation.

What happens next

Tottenham need a result against newly promoted Coventry after beginning their Premier League campaign without a win, with pressure mounting around De Zerbi’s side.

Richarlison, meanwhile, cannot play in league fixtures after his squad omission and is not currently part of the cup plans. Unless a move is secured in January, Under-21 football appears to be his only competitive route for the immediate future.