Soccer1h ago
De Zerbi Rejects Extra Motivation From Chelsea Moves Ahead of Stamford Bridge Trip
Tottenham manager focuses on overcoming a long-standing away record rather than past player sales from his former club.
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Frustration Over Past Transfers Acknowledged
Roberto De Zerbi has indicated disappointment with Chelsea's acquisitions from Brighton yet stressed that the pattern brings no added drive for the visit to Stamford Bridge. Since the 2022 takeover, Chelsea have paid more than £300 million for 16 players and staff members from the club. During De Zerbi's time in charge, the deals included a British-record £115 million for Moisés Caicedo, £63 million for Marc Cucurella and £25 million for Robert Sánchez, along with recruitment staff.
Emphasis Placed on Routine Business
De Zerbi described the sales as a standard feature of the game, noting that clubs must sometimes let players move to larger sides when they push for such moves. He maintained the same level of motivation applies against Chelsea as against any opponent and declined to treat the transfers as special fuel for the fixture.
Record at Stamford Bridge Provides Fresh Drive
Instead, De Zerbi highlighted Tottenham's record of just one win in 33 Premier League visits to the ground as a stronger source of motivation. He wants the squad to convert that history into greater energy and belief that the team possesses the quality to end the sequence.
Injury and Availability Update
Pedro Porro, Andy Robertson and Omar Marmoush are available. Lucas Bergvall and Destiny Udogie remain sidelined with knee issues, Sávio is out with a muscular problem and Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended. James Maddison is a doubt while Dejan Kulusevski is being assessed.
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