De Zerbi reveals he will unleash a young Tottenham side against Wolves who haven't played all season
Roberto De Zerbi is dealing with a number of problems in his defense ahead of Tottenham's relegated Wolves game on Saturday, and now he can let the young man off the hook in his third Premier League start.
Spurs vs Wolves team news
Tottenham are two points from safety after 17th-placed West Ham shared the spoils with Crystal Palace on Monday, but De Zerbi is confident they can avoid their worst relegation since 1977 before they travel to Molineux.
The manager has lost left-back Destiny Udogie to a muscle problem and Guglielmo Vicario is still out after a hernia operation, meaning Antonin Kinsky will again be involved in goal.
James Maddison was an unused substitute against Brighton and although he is set to travel to Wolverhampton, the playmaker does not appear ready to contribute but De Zerbi has urged his team to play without pressure.
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“It's a difficult game because there is no one they can't lose. It's an important game for us, but we have to be able to play without a lot of pressure,” emphasized De Zerbi.
“Sometimes when one team loses a lot of games, the rumors are not good and the behavior is bad and people talk about the players who are too determined, but no, that's not the case this time.
“I have found good players, good players, determined players and they follow me and believe in my words because I can see the eyes of the players.
“We are suffering, they are suffering because it is not easy to play against Tottenham in the current situation but I said they must be strong and live to win the game.
“We have to live every day expecting a win and prepare to win because I think if we win we can change this part of the season.”
It was revealed on Friday that Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey should have received a second yellow card for fouling Spurs captain Cristian Romero during De Zerbi's first defeat, and the Argentine will also miss out.
“Should we play that game again or not? I don't think so. It was clear but there is no problem. We have to continue.” – De Zerbi on Brobbey's argument
With problems behind him, the Italian revealed that he may let go of young Brazilian, Souza, who has played 144 minutes in the Premier League this season and is not under a new manager.
“We have (Djed) Spence, Souza is available to go with us,” he said of Udogie's injury (via Football London). “It's not a big problem, I hope Udogie can come back next week at Villa Park.”
The 19-year-old may have to settle on the bench behind Spence, but it certainly sounds like he will get his first chance to impress De Zerbi in some way.
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Souza was arguably one of the standout performers in the 1-1 draw at Anfield – Igor Tudor's only point as Tottenham manager – and has been praised for his versatility and pace in the side.
Signed by Brazilian club Santos for a fee of around £13m, he could be one of those in line for increased opportunities as Spurs are relegated.
