Roberto De Zerbi has had his say on Cuti Romero missing Tottenham’s final match of the Premier League season against Everton as he’s in Argentina continuing his injury recovery
Roberto De Zerbi insists captain Cuti Romero is in Argentina on medical grounds but he understands why supporters are angry that he won’t be attending the club’s Premier League relegation decider against Everton.
Romero is back in his homeland stepping up his recovery from an MCL knee injury ahead of the World Cup but reports indicate he will watch former club Belgrano’s AFA Liga Torneo Apertura final against River Plate on Sunday.
When quizzed on that, De Zerbi responded: “He spoke with the medical staff. Together they decided to go to Argentina to complete the rehab with the Argentinian medical staff. We spoke last week. With me he showed always his desire to stay with us. He is injured.”
The Italian made it clear he would not tolerate any player putting themselves before the club in normal circumstances but in this instance, he thinks Romero should be cut some slack.
He continued: “I’m 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 nothing because with me he has been correct from when I started until now.“The decision was with the medical staff and I think he can’t change anything if he’s at the stadium or not. Finally I have no time to lose energy other than on the game.”
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De Zerbi also paid tribute to Ben Davies, who is doing everything he can to keep the club afloat, adding: “Not all leaders are the same. Ben Davies spoke with me and he asked today to stay today with us and he wants to stay with the team in the Lodge in the hotel with his team-mates. But Romero is preparing for the World Cup.”
When asked if he understood fan frustration regarding Romero, De Zerbi replied: “100 per cent.”
Tottenham need a point to secure Premier League football next season. Meanwhile, if they were to lost and West Ham beat Leeds, the Hammers would stay up and send Spurs down.
Some supporters feel it’s a bad look for Tottenham that their skipper is across the other side of the world when his team-mates are fighting for their lives to beat the drop.
Belgrano president Luis Artime confirmed to TyC Sports that Romero is working alongside Argentina’s national team physio at the club’s facilities.
Artime said: “Yesterday he was training and I told him I think he’s going to be the one who arrives at the World Cup in the best shape. I’ve seen him and he’s in great form. He’s going to arrive well-rested, ready to join the team at its peak.
“The rest are still competing. They’re all coming off tough competitions. Cuti has had a month and a half or two months of rest, during which he’s preparing very well and will be one of the best. He’s already working with the ball. He came with the national team’s physio.”
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