Preview for Sunderland v Tottenham
Roberto De Zerbi insists he has “large confidence” in his Tottenham gamers as he prepares for his opening sport in cost, at Sunderland on Sunday.
The Italian is Spurs’ third supervisor of the season, following on from Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor, and joins them with the club precariously placed in 17th, just one point above the relegation zone.
He has little time to implement his concepts with Premier League survival the only purpose over the following six weeks however the former Brighton boss is optimistic he has sufficient high quality at his disposal to assist them escape hazard.
He mentioned: ”I watched a number of [Tottenham] video games however it’s one factor to observe at dwelling and a unique factor to work with them on the pitch. We now have very large gamers, and younger gamers – [Lucas] Bergvall, Archie Grey, Mathys Tel, Xavi Simons – however in a manner now we have crucial older gamers like [Micky] van de Ven. He’s essential.
“I’m fortunate as a result of I’ve large confidence in my gamers and their qualities. My goal is to assist them play effectively and benefit from the ball.”
De Zerbi says tactical transformations will are available time however the rapid purpose is to instil some perception into the gamers.
“My model is one half concerning the model of play and one half concerning the character and character,” he added. “I wish to give organisation with and with out the ball.
“What I wish to obtain instantly is the character and the suitable spirit and braveness to play and assault as a result of the DNA of this membership and squad is to search out the objective and rating.”
Sunderland haven’t performed for the reason that 2-1 derby victory at Newcastle and have had three weeks to bask within the glow of beating their hated rivals.
The Wearsiders have arguably achieved all their season’s targets however boss Regis Le Bris is adamant there must be no drop off in depth.
He mentioned: ”I feel we nonetheless wish to win and the stress is inner. We wish to win once more at dwelling as a result of we struggled a bit within the final sequence. It’s about our requirements.
“The principle objective of the season [avoiding relegation] might be achieved and it’s straightforward to overlook this wasn’t straightforward. We confirmed togetherness and high quality. We wish to preserve the requirements.”
Sunderland are eleventh within the desk, solely three factors behind seventh positioned Brentford and a European spot isn’t out of the query.
Requested if his aspect can play continental soccer subsequent season, the Frenchman added: “I don’t know. Two seasons in the past once I first began right here, going to the Premier League was too early. We didn’t set any targets however we mentioned we’ll work exhausting, we’ll work for our identification.
“For this season, it’s the similar. Whether it is potential, we’re prepared to attain the objective, we’ll see after which we’ll handle the following objective.”
Group information for Sunderland v Tottenham
Sunderland have Robin Roefs, Reinildo, Nordi Mukiele and Enzo Le Payment obtainable to begin after harm. Reinildo and Le Payment had been late substitutes towards Newcastle with the latter establishing the last-gasp winner for Brian Brobbey. Dan Ballard, Nilson Angulo, Romaine Mundle and Bertrand Traore are nonetheless absent.
Antonin Kinsky will begin in objective for Tottenham for the primary time since being dragged off 17 minutes into the sport at Atletico Madrid on March 10 with common primary Guglielmo Vicario present process surgical procedure on a hernia. Rodrigo Bentancur is shut however not but match whereas Mohammed Kudus is unlikely to play once more this season.
James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert and Ben Davies are sidelined.
