Photo via BBC Sport

'I kissed Rodrigo and said thanks' - De Zerbi 'liked' Spurs red card

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi praised Uruguayan midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur after his fiery red card in a 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Bentancur was sent off in the 78th minute for headbutting Luke Shaw following a physical altercation, yet Spurs rallied to salvage a point through Dominic Solanke’s 92nd-minute equalizer.

Despite the setback, De Zerbi highlighted Bentancur’s aggressive response as a defining moment, kissing the player in the dressing room and calling it the “character” Spurs needed to avoid defeat. The incident occurred when Bentancur reacted to Shaw’s shove off the pitch, though De Zerbi acknowledged it was a mistake that ultimately energized his team.

With just three points from six Premier League games, Spurs remain in the relegation zone, marking their worst start since 1955-56, though De Zerbi emphasized the team’s improved cohesion and attacking spirit in the second half.

The match underscored Tottenham’s defensive struggles, as they’ve scored only three league goals this season—the fewest in the division behind Coventry. Despite a £250 million summer overhaul adding 10 new players, the club is now organizing a training camp in Marbella to strengthen team chemistry.

De Zerbi framed the red card as a catalyst, stating Spurs must embrace such moments to build resilience, even as their poor form continues to raise concerns.

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