Tottenham coach De Zerbi defends Omar Marmoush ahead of Carabao Cup clash with Liverpool

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has defended Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush amid growing criticism of the new signing ahead of their Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool.

Tottenham are scheduled to travel to Anfield on Tuesday to face Liverpool in the third round of the Carabao Cup, with Marmoush expected to be among the players under close scrutiny.

The Egypt international has endured a difficult start to life at Tottenham following his summer move from Manchester City, with his performances and missed chances attracting criticism in recent weeks.

However, De Zerbi has urged supporters to remain patient with the forward, insisting that Marmoush needs time to adapt to his new surroundings and the increased responsibility placed on him at Tottenham.

The Italian coach believes Marmoush’s current situation is significantly different from the one he experienced at Manchester City, where he struggled to establish himself as a regular starter.

“Omar Marmoush and Savinho did not participate much during the past period, because they were not key players or had an important role with Manchester City, but here at Tottenham the situation seems different, as they bear a greater responsibility,” De Zerbi said, as reported by Football London.

He added: “Omar Marmoush and Savinho need to adapt to their new situation and understand that things have changed, but there is no doubt about their quality; they are of a high standard.”

De Zerbi’s comments come after Marmoush came under pressure following Tottenham’s recent Premier League draws against Nottingham Forest and Everton.

The 27-year-old has been criticised particularly for failing to convert some of the opportunities that came his way, with expectations high following his arrival from Manchester City.

Tottenham completed a deal to bring Marmoush to the club on loan during the summer transfer window, with an obligation to make the move permanent for £60 million plus add-ons.

Despite the scrutiny surrounding the forward, De Zerbi remains convinced that Marmoush possesses the quality required to succeed in North London.

The Tottenham boss also praised Dominic Solanke while discussing his attacking options, backing the striker to improve his fitness and continue developing his goalscoring form.

“Dominic Solanke is a special player, and I am confident that he needs to improve his physical fitness and maintain his positive attitude towards goal, as he is capable of scoring many goals,” De Zerbi said.

The manager’s comments underline his belief that Tottenham’s attacking players need time to develop an understanding of their roles and adapt to the demands of his system.

For Marmoush, the Carabao Cup trip to Liverpool provides another opportunity to respond to his critics and demonstrate why Tottenham were prepared to commit a significant financial investment to secure his services.

With Liverpool providing a major test at Anfield, Marmoush will be hoping to produce a performance that can help Tottenham progress while also giving himself a timely confidence boost.

De Zerbi, meanwhile, will continue to back the Egyptian forward as he looks to settle into his new surroundings and take on the greater responsibility expected of him at Tottenham.