Roberto De Zerbi back’s Tottenham Hotspur to end their worrying goal drought at Liverpool in the League Cup tonight.
Tottenham have failed to score in their first four Premier League matches, taking just two points. Their latest setback came in Saturday’s goalless draw with Everton, extending their longest-ever scoreless start to a league campaign.
De Zerbi’s side now face Liverpool in the League Cup third round on Tuesday, but Richarlison will not be involved.
The Brazilian was left out of Tottenham’s Premier League squad and remained at the club after failing to secure a move before the transfer window closed.
De Zerbi said there had been no change in Richarlison’s situation.
“The situation is the same,” De Zerbi told reporters on Monday.
“At the start of this season I spoke to him many times to convince him to stay and he didn’t want to. I can’t go every day to pray for him to stay.”
Richarlison’s absence is notable given his record against Liverpool, having scored four times in seven appearances against them.
However, De Zerbi believes Tottenham’s new-look attack will improve once the players become fitter and more comfortable with his system.
Dominic Solanke, Savio, Omar Marmoush, Mohammed Kudus, Conor Gallagher and Mathys Tel have all struggled to make a major attacking impact during the opening weeks.
De Zerbi remains confident Solanke can become an important source of goals.
“Solanke is a good player and I’m sure he has to improve his physical condition and to stay positive, he’s able to score many goals with us,” he said.
The Spurs coach also expects Savio and Marmoush to grow into their new roles after limited opportunities at Manchester City.
“Savio and Marmoush didn’t play many games in Manchester City because they were not the protagonists,” De Zerbi said.
“Here the situation is different, they have more responsibility, they have to adapt and understand the situation is changing, but in terms of quality both players are very good.”
Tottenham will be without record signing Sandro Tonali for the trip to Liverpool after he picked up a knock. Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro also remain sidelined.
