Roberto De Zerbi praises Bentancur, Tonali, Gallagher and Van de Ven after Tottenham’s goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has highlighted the central contributions of Rodrigo Bentancur, Sandro Tonali, Conor Gallagher, and Micky van de Ven following Spurs’ goalless draw at Nottingham Forest. Speaking to Football London after the match, the Italian manager also clarified the tactical rationale behind withdrawing star performers Savio and Destiny Udogie around the hour mark.
While Tottenham continue their search for a first Premier League goal of the campaign, De Zerbi expressed firm satisfaction with the defensive and central midfield core that secured Spurs’ first shutout of the season.
Operating in a high-intensity engine room at the City Ground, Rodrigo Bentancur, Sandro Tonali, and Conor Gallagher brought physical bite and structural control, while Micky van de Ven anchored the defensive line alongside Jan Paul van Hecke.
Highlighting individual performances, De Zerbi was emphatic in his praise for those who set the defensive tone:
“Great game, Bentancur. Tonali, Gallagher, VDV great game. I’m sorry because Savio and Destiny in that moment I think they could play something more than 60 minutes but there was a plan with the medical staff not to take risks and I can’t decide like the pitch says.”
Managing Fitness Risk Over Matchday Instincts
The withdrawal of full league debutant Savio and left-back Destiny Udogie after 60 minutes had raised questions among supporters, given both players were providing directness and energy down their respective flanks. However, De Zerbi revealed that strict sports science protocols superseded his personal instincts on the touchline.
With Savio returning from recent muscle fatigue and Udogie working his way back to full match sharpness, Tottenham’s medical department had established strict minute limits prior to kickoff. De Zerbi acknowledged that while the flow of the match made him tempted to keep both players on the field, respecting the long-term fitness plan was vital to prevent muscle injuries during a grueling stretch of fixtures.
The Italian manager’s willingness to adhere to medical directives underscores a disciplined approach to squad management as Spurs prepare to host Everton next weekend. With summer additions continuing to integrate and player fitness levels rising across the squad, maintaining a healthy core remains critical for De Zerbi as he aims to translate defensive stability into three points at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
