De Zerbi challenges media claims over Richarlison’s Tottenham future

Roberto De Zerbi has criticised the media for questioning him about Richarlison and the Brazil international’s reported approach to leaving Tottenham during the summer transfer window.

Tottenham are preparing to face Everton on Saturday in the fourth round of the Premier League, with De Zerbi addressing the situation surrounding Richarlison during his pre-match press conference.

“I did not know that Richarlison was going to leave last summer,” said the Italian. “What I can say is that I know very well what the player did for the club, and what the club did for him, as well as his agent. All of them know much more than you in the media, and by a big difference.”

De Zerbi also provided an update on the availability of several players ahead of the meeting with Everton.

“James Maddison is available to play against Everton, while Mohammed Kudus is very close to being fully fit to feature in the game,” he said.

However, Mykhailo Mudryk will miss the match because of an ankle injury.

“We need him back as soon as possible because he is an important player for us,” De Zerbi added.

Tottenham have yet to win or score in the Premier League this season, drawing once and losing twice. They are 17th in the table before Saturday’s fixture.

Everton are eighth with five points.

De Zerbi said he remained confident despite Tottenham’s difficult start.

“We have not won and we have not scored yet, but I am positive and I believe in this group,” he said. “I have the experience to see the improvement.”

Richarlison was left out of Tottenham’s Premier League squad under De Zerbi. The manager had previously said the Brazilian had made his own decision to seek a departure from the club.

“He decided everything,” De Zerbi said at the time. “It was not me and it was not the club. I was not responsible for the situation. He decided everything by himself.

“He spoke to me at the beginning of pre-season and told me his idea and his desire to leave.”