Ahead of Tottenham Hotspur's away match against Leeds United in Matchweek 10 of the Premier League, head coach Roberto De Zerbi attended a press conference to answer questions from the media. In the second part of the conference, De Zerbi discussed the different characteristics of Omar Marmoush and Solanke, the areas where Solanke needs to improve, and the partnership between Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.
Reporter: When Omar Marmoush and Solanke both start as center-forwards, what different characteristics does each of them bring to the team?
Roberto De Zerbi: They have different styles and different characteristics. Omar Marmoush attacks space and can play as a number 10 or as a winger, perhaps cutting inside more than Tel or Mudryk. Solanke is more of a pure center-forward.
But they can play together. Both are good players, and I hope they can gain confidence, because I don't think the problem with either of them is their quality or their physique. Perhaps their current physical condition isn't optimal, but confidence can be rebuilt. If they score goals and get support from the whole team, their confidence will certainly grow.
Reporter: Hello, Roberto. Regarding Solanke, how far is he from the Solanke you knew and watched when you were at AFC Bournemouth?
Roberto De Zerbi: I don't know, I really don't, because he trains very hard and very well. He understands football. I think he can still improve his movement in the attacking third and focus more on scoring goals, rather than just acting as a link-up player for the team. But we need Solanke to be at his peak physically and mentally, including his confidence.
Reporter: Going back to Luca Williams-Barnett. He was injured when you first arrived last season, which was obviously a difficult situation. When did you start working with him this summer? How quickly did you realize he possessed the special talent you mentioned?
Roberto De Zerbi: It was evident in preseason. Special talent... you recognize it immediately. He doesn't need to deliberately show anything special; you can tell from everything he does. He is one of those players with special talent.
Reporter: Looking at the midfield again, Tonali was clearly very good over the weekend, and his performances continue to improve. It feels like he and Mateus Fernandes work very well together and complement each other. What do you like about their partnership?
Roberto De Zerbi: To play well, I think Tonali has to run all over the pitch and compete. Perhaps his performances have improved greatly in the last few games alongside Mateus Fernandes. However, it's the same when he plays alongside Bentancur, nothing changes, because Rodrigo's characteristics are similar to Mateus's in the previous two games.
I think Mateus Fernandes has improved a lot, but I believe the level he is showing now is only 50% or 60% of what he can do, no more. His potential is much greater than his current performance. But he is very young, and as I said a month ago, young players like him need a lot of time to integrate into the team and to understand the new club, new style, new coach and new coaching staff.
Reporter: Hello, Roberto. I looked at the October numbers: 10 points, the most shots, third-most shots on target, and the highest possession rate. The team has clearly changed, and the results prove it. What changes do you think have happened within the team?
Roberto De Zerbi: I said before that the team's spirit is completely different. Honestly, before the last international break, I wasn't worried, because of the content of the previous games. Although the results weren't good enough because we were too vulnerable at the time, I saw positive things, even in those games we lost. Now I think we have changed the atmosphere, and the relationships and connections between the players. Perhaps the recent results have helped us believe more in ourselves and in our teammates. But I think we can still do much better.
Reporter: I remember you once said in a press conference that the team needed a spark. When do you think that spark appeared? In your opinion, what exactly was it?
Roberto De Zerbi: I think it was the day before the Manchester United match. We had a meeting with all the players, just the players and the coaching staff. Like a family, the players were very frank, and we talked about the problems we had and how we could change this season.
Reporter: One last question. You mentioned earlier that the team can still improve a lot. To what extent does this current team match your ideal team shape?
Roberto De Zerbi: Not yet. I am satisfied with the team's performance now and delighted with the players' attitude. I think we can improve a great deal in all aspects of football, but we must show this level of Tottenham Hotspur over a long period, not just for three or four games. Tomorrow's game is another big test, just like the home game against Crystal Palace. As I said before the Crystal Palace game, that was a big test, more of a tactical one.
Tomorrow is another test, a different kind of test, because the atmosphere in the stadium is very passionate. We must enjoy this atmosphere; we can't wait for tomorrow's game.