Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi has expressed unwavering confidence in Dominic Solanke, insisting the striker will soon rediscover the goalscoring touch that once made him one of the Premier League's most reliable finishers, as Spurs prepare for a difficult Carabao Cup tie at Liverpool on Tuesday.
The trip to Anfield follows a goalless draw at home to Everton in the league, extending Tottenham's frustrating run of failing to score in four consecutive matches in the competition. The one exception came in the Carabao Cup, where Spurs thrashed Charlton 5-1 in the second round, with Solanke among the scorers.
Solanke arrived at Tottenham for a fee of £55m after a standout campaign with Bournemouth in 2023-24, when he netted 19 Premier League goals. He has since added 22 more top-flight goals, 12 of them in a Spurs shirt, but his start to this season has been hampered by an injury picked up during the club's pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia. His display against Everton drew criticism from some observers, but De Zerbi made clear he has no intention of losing faith in the 29-year-old.
The Italian recalled being deeply impressed by Solanke's performance against his own Brighton side in September 2023, when the striker scored despite finishing on the losing team. That memory, De Zerbi suggested, is proof of the quality that remains within Solanke once he regains full fitness.
"Dom is a sensitive guy," De Zerbi said. "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 elaborated on what he meant by sensitive, framing it as a mark of intelligence rather than fragility. "[He is] sensitive because he's a smart guy. Sensitive guys are smart. Maybe [he has had] many injuries, maybe he doesn't feel in the best physical condition, maybe he would like to do something different on the pitch. But now he's not fit yet. He has to play. It can be important for him [at Anfield]. And then I think he comes back to the player who was in Bournemouth. I remember Brighton v Bournemouth in the Amex Stadium; he was incredible. I said to my assistant: 'Who is this striker?'"
Across his squad, De Zerbi has few alternatives who have shown consistent goalscoring form in the Premier League. Omar Marmoush, who joined Manchester City from Eintracht Frankfurt in January, scored seven league goals in the second half of last season, but beyond him, attacking output has been limited.
Off the pitch, De Zerbi continues efforts to strengthen team spirit, recently treating his squad to dinner in Mayfair, which he paid for himself. "As long as I keep some money for my cigarettes, then no problem," he joked. The coach has also intensified video analysis sessions, breaking down match footage collectively and individually, while training has focused on improving crossing quality and winning back possession in the final third. Players have reportedly stayed behind voluntarily for extra shooting practice.
"If we want to change from the last two or three seasons we have to be stronger here," De Zerbi said, tapping his head. "We have to believe in the quality of the players and the decisions we made one month ago. Or we change. You can change players or change coaches … change, change, change and nothing changes. Or you stay with the head, stay humble and with the right spirit to work. I believe in my players. I hope they believe in themselves like I believe in them."
On the injury front, De Zerbi confirmed Sandro Tonali will miss the Liverpool fixture due to a knock, while Pedro Porro remains sidelined. Destiny Udogie has returned to full training, though Richarlison will not feature despite being eligible to play. Mohammed Kudus is available to start, while James Maddison is not yet ready. De Zerbi is expected to rotate his squad, with Marcos Senesi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Ben Davies, Lucas Bergvall and Mathys Tel all in contention for inclusion.
Tottenham have not won at Anfield in their last 17 attempts, adding further weight to what is shaping up as a stern examination of De Zerbi's rebuilding project.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.