Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has stated that any players unhappy at the club or not proud to stay should leave. His comments come ahead of a pre-season friendly against Auckland FC.
De Zerbi, who took charge at the end of March, reiterated his position before the match in New Zealand on Sunday. He said players must be motivated to represent the club and compete for places.
“I was very clear at the start of my time in Tottenham. I said, who doesn’t want to stay in Tottenham? Who is not happy, is not proud to stay here, has to leave,” De Zerbi said.
Speculation surrounds midfielder Lucas Bergvall after rejected bids of £38m from Nottingham Forest and £46m from Newcastle United. New signings Sandro Tonali for £100m and Mateus Fernandes for £85m have added to the midfield competition.
De Zerbi has not yet spoken to the 20-year-old Sweden international but plans to do so in the coming days. He described Bergvall as a big talent and said the club would find the best solution for all involved.