Tottenham’s League Cup hopes end at Liverpool as De Zerbi takes responsibility

Roberto De Zerbi apologised after Tottenham Hotspur’s poor start to the season continued with a 3-1 defeat by Liverpool in the English League Cup third round at Anfield.

The result brought an end to Tottenham’s hopes of building confidence through a run in the competition, with Liverpool scoring through Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Conor Gallagher scored for Tottenham when they were 2-0 down, but it was their first goal against a top-flight opponent this season.

Tottenham have endured a difficult opening to their Premier League campaign. De Zerbi’s side are fourth-bottom and have yet to win any of their first four league matches, drawing twice and losing twice.

Their only victory this season came in the League Cup against second-tier Charlton.

“We have to shoot more times, we have to shoot better, but we are sorry for the result, disappointed, frustrated for the result,” De Zerbi said.

“I think, unfair, but we have to accept and to be stronger than this unlucky moment.

“I’m honest with myself and I’m honest with you. I think in these five, six games, we have been for sure not lucky with Newcastle, with Everton, even with Nottingham and tonight as well.”

Tottenham finished 17th in each of the past two seasons, avoiding relegation on the final day of last season. Since the end of that campaign, the north London club have spent over £300 million ($404 million) on 10 new signings.

De Zerbi made eight changes from the team that drew with Everton last weekend, but the decision failed to pay off as Tottenham were beaten by a Liverpool side that also made changes to its starting line-up.

The former Marseille manager took charge late last season and helped Tottenham avoid relegation. Despite the latest setback, he said he remained convinced the club were moving in the right direction.

“We have to understand if we are in the right way or not,” he said.

“I think watching the game, the last three games, four games, maybe until minute 60 with Newcastle, I think we are in the right way.

“I believe in my players, I have a big confidence, a big opinion of my players, and when we arrive to find the click, to win a game.

“I think we enjoy with these players, because the qualities of the players are incredible.”

De Zerbi accepted responsibility for Tottenham’s start to the season and called on his team to respond when they host Aston Villa on Saturday.

“I’m sorry, and it’s my responsibility. Because maybe in the middle of the first half we didn’t recognise the clear situation man-to-man,” he said.

“It’s a tough moment, but we have to be stronger to prepare our best for the next game with Villa and to find this click.”