De Zerbi confident Tottenham can end goal drought against Liverpool

Roberto De Zerbi believes Tottenham Hotspur’s reshaped attack can finally find its rhythm when they face Liverpool in the League Cup on Tuesday.

Tottenham have failed to score in each of their opening four Premier League matches, collecting only two points. Saturday’s goalless draw with Everton extended the club’s longest-ever scoreless start to a league campaign.

Their next opportunity to end that run comes at Liverpool in the third round of the League Cup, although Richarlison will not be available for the match.

The Brazil forward was omitted from Tottenham’s Premier League squad and stayed at the club after failing to secure a move before the transfer window closed. De Zerbi said his position had not changed.

“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 will be particularly notable against Liverpool, having scored four goals in seven appearances against them.

Despite Tottenham’s lack of attacking output, De Zerbi expects the team’s forwards to improve as their fitness develops and they become more accustomed to his tactical approach.

Dominic Solanke, Savio, Omar Marmoush, Mohammed Kudus, Conor Gallagher and Mathys Tel have all found it difficult to make a significant attacking contribution during the opening weeks of the season.

De Zerbi nevertheless remains confident Solanke can become a regular source of goals for Tottenham.

“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 Italian also believes Savio and Marmoush need time to adjust to greater responsibility after having 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 also be without record signing Sandro Tonali at Liverpool after he suffered a knock. Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro remain sidelined.

The League Cup tie gives Tottenham a chance to respond to their difficult beginning, but they will have to do so without Richarlison and with several other attacking players still seeking form and fitness.