Roberto De Zerbi’s pre-match press conference ahead of Tottenham Hotspur vs Charlton Athletic (Carabao Cup second round, Wednesday 26 August 2026, 7:45 pm UK at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium).
De Zerbi spoke at Hotspur Way on Tuesday afternoon.
New signing Sávio
He is “a big player for us, a big signing.” De Zerbi has known him a long time (spoke to him at Brighton before he went to City).
Strengths: excellent in 1v1 situations and creating chances; can play on either flank; born 2004.
Needs to improve goalscoring: “To be complete, he has to score… many of the best wingers score 10-15 goals per season.” He must change habits to focus on goals as well as assists/dribbling.
Name note: “The most important thing is not to call Mathys Tel, Sávio.”
Team news
Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro: on the bench.
Dominic Solanke: available to start.
Sávio: availability unclear at the time (“I don’t know if he’s ready to play… or to come on the bench”); later club update indicated he was available.
Mohammed Kudus: not ready yet.
James Maddison: small shoulder injury.
Academy prospect Luca Williams-Barnett: on the bench. De Zerbi has high respect for the Academy and wanted to use him earlier (e.g., vs Brentford) but timing wasn’t right.
