Richarlison Slams Spurs After De Zerbi Leaves Him Out of Liverpool Clash
- Tottenham forward Richarlison has publicly questioned his exclusion from the squad to face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, responding on social media with a tearful emoji after manager...
- Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday's fixture at Anfield, De Zerbi addressed the ongoing standoff surrounding the 29-year-old striker.
- Early on in the current campaign, I had multiple conversations with him trying to persuade him to remain, but he was unwilling.
Tottenham forward Richarlison has publicly questioned his exclusion from the squad to face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, responding on social media with a tearful emoji after manager Roberto De Zerbi left him out of the matchday plans.
De Zerbi Explains Richarlison Omission Ahead of Anfield Clash
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday’s fixture at Anfield, De Zerbi addressed the ongoing standoff surrounding the 29-year-old striker. The Tottenham manager stated that he tried to convince the player to commit his future to the club earlier in the campaign.
Early on in the current campaign, I had multiple conversations with him trying to persuade him to remain, but he was unwilling. I can’t go every day to pray for him to stay. I approached him when this season commenced by talking to him and offering him a new deal. If he said, ‘no thank you,’ I finished my job. I know what happened in the last 45 days. It’s not right if I explained. It’s not my behaviour. The relationship, the problem is between the player and the club.
Roberto De Zerbi
Following the manager’s remarks, Richarlison shared a screenshot of a social media post regarding his omission on his personal channels, accompanied by the single word Why?
and a crying emoji.
Failed Transfers and Contract Dispute Deepen Standoff
The latest squad omission follows a turbulent period in the transfer market for the forward. Richarlison saw a proposed £35m deadline-day transfer to Everton collapse after he failed to agree personal terms with the Toffees. An earlier proposed move to Brazilian side Vasco da Gama also broke down when personal terms remained unresolved before the Brazilian transfer window closed on Friday.
The striker is currently in the final nine months of his contract, which runs until the summer, though Tottenham retain an option to trigger a 12-month extension. Sources indicated that Richarlison is keen to secure a release from the remainder of his current deal while exploring alternative career options. His current exile coincides with his absence from Tottenham’s Premier League squad amid the ongoing contract dispute.
Tottenham Struggles and Scoring Drought Under De Zerbi
The friction comes at an inopportune time for Tottenham, who are searching for their first win of the Premier League season under De Zerbi following back-to-back 17th-placed finishes. The team has failed to score in its opening four league matches for the first time in club history, despite a summer spending spree exceeding £300m to reinforce the squad.
Last season, Richarlison finished as Tottenham’s leading goalscorer with 12 goals across all competitions, outscoring centre-back Micky van de Ven and defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha by five goals. The Brazilian also boasts a record against upcoming opponents Liverpool, having scored four goals in seven matches against the Reds since arriving at Tottenham from Everton in 2022. Having earned 54 caps for Brazil, the 29-year-old remains sidelined as preparations continue for the fixture at Anfield.
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