An expert lip reader has offered insight into a sideline conversation between Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi and forward Mathys Tel following the team's 0-0 draw against Everton. The match marked Tottenham's fourth consecutive game without a win and without scoring.
After the final whistle, De Zerbi approached Tel, who had come on as a substitute, and a discussion ensued. Speculation had suggested a potential disagreement, with one interpretation claiming Tel responded to De Zerbi by stating, "I was here to play football."
However, Nicola Hickling, a professional lip reader and founder of LipReader, has interpreted the exchange differently. According to Hickling, De Zerbi initially told Tel, "You're playing like a stud," a comment implying aimless running. De Zerbi then appeared to demonstrate a desired posture, saying, "Like that. I need like that, attack focus." Tel reportedly responded, "Yeah, but then I went back to play for the ball."
Following the match, De Zerbi addressed the interaction, explaining that he was coaching Tel on the "body shape of a striker." He elaborated that a striker should face the goal and maintain focus, contrasting this with playing with one's back to the ball. De Zerbi noted Tel's background as a striker and his current deployment as a winger.
Tel was notably benched for the Everton match after De Zerbi publicly critiqued his performance the previous week. Despite these events, De Zerbi stated that there were "not a problem" between them, emphasizing his positive regard for Tel as both a player and an individual.
Tottenham is scheduled to play Liverpool in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday, followed by a home match against Aston Villa on Saturday.