Roberto De Zerbi held his pre-match press conference today ahead of Tottenham’s home Premier League game against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Spurs are still without a Premier League win or goal this season.
Team news
Roberto was measured on the return of a few players.
“Porro, Tonali, and Maddison are all available to play. We have to understand the situation in terms of physical condition, but all of them are ready.”
Dejan Kulusevski will return soon.
“We have to manage Deki in the best way we can, but this is a great thing for us because he is a good player and a good guy.”
”He deserves to play again and we have to work day by day. Also, for Deki it is important the national break because when he is at top condition and over the injury, he will be like another new signing.”
Luca Williams-Barnett
Roberto De Zerbi says he ‘needs to understand’ when the best opportunity is to include Luca Williams-Barnett in the first team:
"We have to understand when there is the best situation for him and the team also.”
”It is a different job to manage the young, young player. Especially when the young player has the top potential.”
”You can't put them in a bad situation, but you can't forget them, Luca and Malachi (Hardy), but you have to find the right moment.”
De Zerbi has repeatedly spoken this week about finding “the click” or spark (la scintilla) so the team can start converting chances into goals and results. Saturday’s game against Villa is the last Premier League fixture before the long international break.
Villa’s form
Aston Villa have had a very poor start to the 2026/27 Premier League season. After four games, they sit 19th with 1 point. They haven't won a league game and have scored only once (in the home defeat to Forest). Home record is 0-0-2; away record is 0-1-1.
23 Aug: Brighton 4–0 Villa (A)
31 Aug: Villa 0–1 Arsenal (H)
5 Sep: Hull City 0–0 Villa (A)
12 Sep: Villa 1–2 Nottingham Forest (H)
What are the odds?
It’s a brave man who risks his dinner money on Tottenham these days. We are nominal favourites, but the bookies can’t solve this puzzle, either. BTTS is probably the least risky bet… avoid like the plague.
“ Roberto De Zerbi says he ‘needs to understand’ when the best opportunity is to include Luca Williams-Barnett in the first team:
"We have to understand when there is the best situation for him and the team also.”
I’ll tell you when. The other night against Liverpool. You decided to put out a second string. Woolwich played two 16 year olds but you seem to think LWB isn’t ready. Garbage. Why give him minutes in pre season then nothing.
Poor management imo. We need someone like LWB who shows no fear. For once we need to make use of the best of the academy otherwise what’s the point of it. Lego head recognises his. What makes you right and him wrong.
When there's an International sleepover immediately after your last game , it is imperative to take something encouraging into the break .
Clear signs that our squad is coming to the boil , especially availability , so For Fucks Sake Spurs ,
bring this one home !!!! Tottenham 4 Villa 1 ...................... yes , four , one !!!!