Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has admitted he can "100 per cent" understand the anger among supporters following the controversial decision by injured captain Cristian Romero to fly to Argentina just days before the club’s crucial Premier League relegation decider against Everton.
Romero’s departure for his homeland has ignited a storm of criticism, particularly as the north London club faces the very real prospect of losing their top-flight status for the first time in 49 years. This could occur if they suffer defeat against Everton on Sunday and 18th-placed West Ham secure a victory over Leeds.
De Zerbi confirmed on Friday that Romero is currently in Argentina, continuing his rehabilitation from a knee injury at his boyhood club, Belgrano, in preparation for the upcoming World Cup. While initially guarded about his skipper’s absence, the Tottenham boss ultimately acknowledged the widespread disappointment.
When pressed on whether he could empathise with the fans’ frustration, De Zerbi stated: "100 per cent, I understand. He spoke with the medical staff and together they decided to go to Argentina to complete the rehab with Argentinian medical staff.
“I want to be clear, I am not stupid. If I understand there is any player who thinks for himself before the club, I can’t be the same Roberto, but with Cuti Romero, I can’t say anything because with me, in my time, he has been correct from the beginning until now."
The manager added: "The decision was with the medical staff and I think he can’t change anything if Romero is at the stadium or not. Finally, I have no time to lose energy and to lose thinking other things. We have to be focused on the game and we have the players good enough to achieve our target."
Adding an unhelpful twist to the saga, Romero’s former club, Belgrano, are also involved in a title decider against River Plate on Sunday.
De Zerbi, despite attempting to remain vague on his absent captain, appeared to deliver a thinly-veiled dig at Romero, who signed a new contract last August, by contrasting his actions with those of long-serving defender Ben Davies.
"Not all leaders are the same," De Zerbi explained. "Ben Davies spoke with me and he asked to stay today to work with us and tomorrow we sleep in the Lodge (at the training ground), and he wants to stay with the team, with his team-mates.
“But Romero is preparing (for) the World Cup, he has an injury and for me nothing changed. And then we have to think after (Sunday), we have to think everything for the future and the best future of Tottenham."
Quizzed further on whether Romero had played his last game for Spurs, De Zerbi responded: "I don’t know. I think Cristian is a top player and with me he was a top guy. And when I say top guy, it’s because I’m sure of what I’m saying.
“For the future, I don’t know. (Sunday) is a crucial game for us, for our future, for our fans, for our club and we have to stay together."
Amid the controversy, De Zerbi did receive some positive news this week, with Dominic Solanke now fit and available. Additionally, Djed Spence, fresh from his England World Cup squad selection, is also available despite sustaining a fractured jaw at Chelsea.
"Solanke is available," De Zerbi confirmed. "We have to decide if he starts in the first XI or not."