On October 11 at 00:30 CET, Tottenham Hotspur will visit Manchester United in the Premier League's sixth round of fixtures. Following the end of the embargo period, the confidential section of Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi's pre-match press conference has been revealed. This article covers the first part of his comments.

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Djed Spence – whenever he returns, hopefully soon, perhaps in time for the Manchester United match – his comeback will be very inspiring. I mean, have you ever dealt with a player who's been sidelined for this long before? How much can this inspire and motivate the rest of the team? We've had a difficult start, but to see him fighting through it and working hard to come back…

Yes, he's inspiring because, as I've said before, he's shown incredible fighting spirit, courage, and determination, and he's responded very well. Yes, and with patience too. "Patience" is a good word. We need to draw inspiration and strength from him, and I've told the players exactly this when I've met with them.

Have you dealt with a player sidelined for as long as he has before?

Never. But as a player, I've experienced long-term injuries several times. You know, injuries are difficult because you miss out on playing, but from another perspective, there's a positive side too. You can look deeper within yourself, understand yourself better than before the injury. You can start better conversations with yourself. You'll rediscover your motivation, set your goals, and chart your direction.

If you handle an injury the right way, you become stronger. Similarly, if you can handle the club's current situation – the league position, this season, last season, and the two seasons before – the right way, I believe you'll absolutely develop. Not just as a better and stronger player, but as a better person.

For Tottenham fans, looking at the table over these past few weeks must feel especially long. So during this international break, are you trying to avoid looking at the standings?

No. I feel torment and pain, but we have only one path to walk, and it's completely pointless to dwell on anything else. We need to give more. We need to drop all excuses. I believe we have a fantastic team with excellent players. The club itself is perfect. There's nothing wrong with this club. People outside talk too much, but if you listen to Roberto, if you listen to me, this is a top team. These are top players. We must respond. We must show who we really are without excuses, take responsibility, and show our true selves both on and off the pitch.

What's your general view on this three-week break? This is clearly the first time we've had such a long international break, and I'd just like to know your thoughts on this concept and whether you think it should continue?

Since it's the first time, I don't know if it's good or bad. I think international football is certainly important because you're playing for your country, aren't you? We must respect that. Just as the national team must respect the players, because players work for their clubs and are paid by their clubs, not the national team. However, I don't think adding or removing a week would change much. Playing multiple consecutive matches is genuinely difficult, but modern football is heading in this direction, and there's nothing we can do about it.

Regarding Manchester United, I'd like to know what you think of head coach Ruben Amorim's work there?

Hmm, I think they're doing well, but I'm not entirely sure. I don't really like to discuss other head coaches and teams.

Are you surprised to see Manchester United struggling?

But the season has only just begun, hasn't it? Many clubs haven't found their rhythm yet. That said, I've watched Manchester United several times, and I don't think they're in a downward spiral or really struggling. I think they're playing quite well. I've seen their recent matches – like against Fulham and Brighton in the Carabao Cup – they were leading 2-0 but ended up losing 2-3, but I don't think they're in a poor run.

Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham have had a lot of possession in many matches this season, but visiting Old Trafford to face Manchester United, you might have less possession, which could give you more opportunities to transition and counter-attack. Do you think this might suit your team better against Manchester United?

But every team must be able to adapt to the game, right? The ideal scenario, of course, is to control the ball throughout, create 20 chances, and give the opposition none. But you have to adapt. You have to prepare for the game according to your philosophy and beliefs. I think we have a very clear style, and then we must adapt. We're playing away against a strong team with very good players.

But one thing is certain: we'll never be satisfied with sitting deep in our own half and relying solely on counter-attacks. We'll try to play our way. Sometimes you're in your own territory, sometimes you have to defend, sometimes you want possession, sometimes you want high pressing. That's the nature of the game. Our real problem right now is that we seem like two different teams: one that can control the tempo, create chances, and deny the opposition opportunities; but sometimes we struggle defensively and can't create enough chances. It depends on the specific moment in the match, doesn't it? We need to improve…

Consistency and stability?

Yes, consistency and stability within a single match.

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