Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed ‘these’ two midfielders remain key figures, explaining why both missed Tottenham’s pre-season tour.
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has strongly reaffirmed the vital importance of midfielders Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr to his squad plans for the upcoming campaign. Speaking during Tottenham’s pre-season tour, the Italian manager directly addressed supporter concerns regarding the duo’s absence from the traveling squad.
Both players were notable omissions when Spurs departed for their tour fixtures, leading to fan speculation about their physical readiness or potential transfer activity. However, De Zerbi swiftly put any rumors to rest by highlighting both stars as foundational components of his midfield setup.
As reported by Last Word on Spurs on X, the Tottenham manager explained that individual circumstances dictated tailored summer schedules for players returning from demanding international duty following the World Cup:
“[Rodrigo] Bentancur is a crucial player for us, and Pape Sarr, the same. I spoke after the World Cup with players, and for every one of them we take different ways.”
For Uruguayan international Rodrigo Bentancur, the additional rest was granted to allow comprehensive physical and mental recovery. The central midfielder endured a demanding and physical previous campaign, making proper rest essential before launching into another intense Premier League schedule.
De Zerbi revealed that Bentancur personally requested an extra week of leave to rebuild his stamina and ensure he returns in peak condition:
“Bentancur asked me for one week more because he suffered a very tough season last season.”
De Zerbi Explains Bentancur and Sarr’s Absence
Similarly, Senegalese international Pape Matar Sarr was granted extended leave to attend to a private family matter back home. The energetic midfielder remains one of Tottenham’s most promising young talents and a key tactical piece in De Zerbi’s dynamic pressing system.
De Zerbi reassured supporters that Sarr’s delay is strictly down to personal matters and cautioned against reading anything more into his brief absence:
“Pape Sarr has a personal problem, and he asked me for one week more. But nothing, no problem, nothing more than I said.”
With both key players scheduled to resume training at Hotspur Way once the squad returns to London, De Zerbi will soon have his full contingent of central midfielders available as preparations intensify for the opening matchday.