De Zerbi backs Solanke to regain form before Liverpool clash

Roberto De Zerbi expressed confidence that Dominic Solanke would rediscover his best form as Tottenham Hotspur prepared to face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup. The match follows a 0-0 draw at home against Everton in the Premier League, where Spurs have failed to score in their four games within the tournament. Tottenham did secure a 5-1 victory over Charlton in the second round of the Carabao Cup.

Solanke, the only forward in De Zerbi’s squad who had a prolific last season, scored 19 goals for Bournemouth in the 2023-24 season, which led to Spurs paying £55 million for him. The 29-year-old has totaled 22 goals in the Premier League, 12 of which have come for Tottenham.

De Zerbi acknowledged the slim pickings for his attacking players in the current competition, with Omar Marmoush being one exception, having scored seven goals in the league for Manchester City last season. Solanke had an injury during the club's pre-season tour in New Zealand and Australia, hampering his effectiveness against Everton, making him a target for criticism.

Despite this, De Zerbi remained supportive, recalling a standout performance from Solanke against his Brighton team in September 2023, where he scored in a 3-1 defeat. The coach emphasized his belief that Solanke will score once he regains full fitness and planned to involve him in the upcoming match at Anfield.

“Dom is a sensitive guy,” De Zerbi remarked. “He needs to feel full confidence – and from myself, he has big, big confidence. I believe he can score 10-15 goals, for sure. He’s already scored in Bournemouth so why not he can score in Tottenham? It’s the same sport.”

De Zerbi described Solanke as smart and acknowledged the impact of injuries on his performance. However, he remained optimistic, stating that the match at Anfield could be crucial for Solanke’s resurgence.

In preparation for the match, De Zerbi has also focused on bonding with his players, having taken them out for dinner in Mayfair last week. He utilizes video analysis to review match footage and has placed an emphasis on practicing attacking movements and regaining possession.

As for squad news, De Zerbi noted that Sandro Tonali will miss the Liverpool match due to injury, while Richarlison is eligible to play but will not participate. Pedro Porro remains out, although Destiny Udogie has returned, and Mohammed Kudus is ready for action. James Maddison is still unavailable. De Zerbi is expected to make lineup changes and mentioned several players, including Marcos Senesi and Tosin Adarabioyo, as potential starters. Tottenham has not won at Anfield in 17 matches.