Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has disclosed that Pape Matar Sarr, Richarlison, and Kevin Danso were excluded from the squad to face Newcastle after informing him of their wish to depart the club. This revelation comes as the team sits at the bottom of the Premier League table following a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle.
"Richarlison he said too many times that he wanted to leave," De Zerbi stated. "Danso came to me two days ago and said he wanted to leave. Sarr the same but he also suffered a small injury but he is almost ready to train."
De Zerbi expressed his affection for the players but emphasized the need for economic solutions for any potential transfers. "I love these players and these are great guys. I have very good relationships but if they want to leave they have to bring the economic solution to the club and they can go and we’ll find other players."
The club, which narrowly avoided relegation last season by finishing 17th, has now lost its opening two matches, conceding five goals without scoring.
Tottenham has made significant investments in the current transfer window, spending close to £400 million on new players, including former Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali and Omar Marmoush.
Despite the current standings, De Zerbi conveyed confidence in his squad's potential, apologizing to the fans for the early-season results. "I’m disappointed by the result and sorry to the fans for the environment after two defeats — maybe somebody thinks it’s the same history as the last two seasons," he said. "I have no doubt it’s not like this. I can’t change my opinion after two defeats. I have big, big confidence in the qualities of my players. I’m sorry for the club. They are building a great squad but maybe they are not ready for many reasons."
He further commented on the team's performance against Newcastle, noting that "Until the first goal we played better than Newcastle. More shots, more control of the ball, we suffered in two or three situations in the first half because distances too big, then after the goal we lost confidence and the reaction was not good enough, not the reaction I want to see on the pitch."
Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle, celebrating his first win with the club, praised his team's commitment and execution of the game plan. "It was incredible and I’m really proud," Jaissle said. "We are really proud as a club, as a coaching staff, to see a team on the pitch delivering the match plan at a high level already, but also seeing players fully committed to what we’re doing. This is a good start and a moment to enjoy."