‘For the first time this season, we showed we are a team’ – De Zerbi hails Spurs’ character and Solanke’s leadership

Roberto De Zerbi praised Tottenham’s character after their 1-1 draw with Manchester United and backed Dominic Solanke to get back to his best this season.

Solanke was handed the captain’s armband and headed in a late equaliser after Rodrigo Bentancur had been sent off for Spurs, with De Zerbi explaining the decision was intended to show his faith in the striker.

“Solanke is not good enough? It’s not true,” De Zerbi said.

“Solanke is maybe the best striker for us because he’s a complete player, a good guy, his personality.

“He has to feel good in terms of his physical condition but he’s a good player and I wanted to show my confidence and his importance that I give him in this game.

“We need this Dom Solanke because he is able to make the difference in this team.”

De Zerbi was also encouraged by Tottenham’s overall display and believes it was the first time this season his side showed the togetherness he wants to see.

“Today has been the game where for the first time this season, we showed we are a team,” he said.

“We played for our team-mates, we played together, we believed until the end of the game.

“We attacked as a team, we defended as a team, and with the right behaviour.”

Spurs were reduced to ten men, but De Zerbi felt they responded with greater energy and character.

“I think with ten players, we played with more energy and changed the game,” he added.

“For a long time, Tottenham played without this character. Now I want to see this character every game, because Manchester United in the second half showed character.

“With just quality, we cannot win the games.

“With the quality, character, the right energy, I think we’re going to win many games and score many goals.”