De Zerbi urges Richarlison to remain at Tottenham after late strike downs Chelsea in Sydney
Tottenham secured a 2-1 victory over Chelsea in a pre-season friendly in Sydney after Richarlison struck a last-gasp winner, and manager Roberto De Zerbi said he wants the forward to stay with the club despite speculation over his future. The Brazilian’s finish proved decisive in a match in which Spurs were reduced to 10 men following a second-half dismissal.
The encounter was staged in Sydney as part of Tottenham’s pre-season preparations, with the visitors overcoming a numerical disadvantage to claim the win. Kevin Danso was sent off just minutes after coming on as a half-time substitute, leaving Spurs a man light for the closing stages. Richarlison, who has been linked with a move away and remains unclear about his long-term plans, produced the decisive intervention at the death.
After the match De Zerbi expressed a clear desire for the forward to remain at Tottenham and used warm language when referring to him, labelling him a 'lovely guy'. The manager also emphasised the player’s value to the squad with the remark 'He’s important, it’s not easy to find another striker'. Those comments came amid ongoing transfer speculation about Richarlison’s future.
The game’s turning point came soon after half-time when Kevin Danso, who had been introduced at the break, received a red card and was dismissed just minutes into his appearance. Tottenham were forced to adapt to the loss of a man while protecting their advantage and pushing for a late winner. In spite of the setback, the side managed to hold on and then find a decisive goal.
Richarlison’s late strike completed the 2-1 scoreline and handed Tottenham the victory over Chelsea in the friendly match. The Brazilian’s contribution not only settled the contest but also highlighted his role in the squad amid reports linking him with potential summer transfer activity. De Zerbi’s public appeal for the forward to stay underlined the manager’s assessment of his importance to the team.
Chelsea were unable to capitalise numerically after the dismissal and finished the match unable to overturn Tottenham’s advantage. The fixture served as part of both clubs’ preparations ahead of the competitive season and offered an opportunity to assess squad members in a match setting. For Tottenham, the result provided a morale boost despite the disruption caused by the red card.
De Zerbi’s statements after the game made clear he would prefer to retain Richarlison at the club while acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the player’s next steps. The manager’s view that 'He’s important, it’s not easy to find another striker' was reiterated as part of his case for the forward’s continued presence at Tottenham. The outcome in Sydney will add to the immediate conversation around Richarlison’s status at the club.