At 00:30 (CET) on October 11, Tottenham will visit Old Trafford for a Premier League Round 6 match. After the media blackout ended, excerpts from Tottenham manager De Zerbi's pre-match press conference were released. This article contains the opening section of that content.

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【De Zerbi: Expensive new signings don't automatically get playing time】

Dejan Kulusevski, whenever he returns – hopefully soon, perhaps in time for the Man Utd match – that will be an inspiring comeback story. I mean, first of all, have you ever managed a player who has been sidelined for such a long period? How much can that inspire and motivate the rest of the squad? The start of this season has been really difficult, but seeing him fight hard to get back...

Yes, he's truly an inspiration. Because, as I've said before, he has demonstrated incredible fighting spirit, courage, and passion, and has responded very well. And yes, patience too – "patience" is a very good word. We must learn inspiration and strength from him, and I told the players exactly the same thing in our meeting.

Have you managed a player sidelined for such a long period before?

No, but as a player, I suffered many long-term injuries. You know, injuries are terrible because you lose the chance to play. But looking at it from another angle, there's also a positive side. You can look deep within yourself, understand yourself better than before the injury. You can start having better conversations with yourself, and you'll rediscover your motivation, set goals, and clarify your direction.

If you approach an injury correctly, you come back stronger. Similarly, if you can properly address the current situation of the club and our position on the table – this season, last season, and the two seasons before – I believe you will definitely make progress, not just becoming a better and stronger player, but also a better person.

For Tottenham fans, looking at the table, these weeks must feel particularly long. Have you tried to avoid looking at the table during this international break?

No, I feel great pain in my heart, but there's only one path forward, and it's pointless to keep dwelling on other things. We must work harder, and we must eliminate all excuses. I think we have an excellent squad with outstanding players. The club itself is perfect; there's nothing wrong with this club. People outside say too much. But if you listen to Roberto, if you listen to me, this team is world-class, the players are world-class, and we must respond. Ultimately, we must show who we are without excuses, take responsibility, and let people see our true selves both on and off the pitch.

What do you think about this three-week break? This is clearly the first time we've experienced such a long international break. I'd like to know your thoughts on this concept and whether you think it should be maintained.

Since this is 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, right? We must respect that. Similarly, the national team must respect the players, because players work for the club and are paid by the club, not by the national team. However, I don't think one extra week or one fewer week makes much difference, although playing many consecutive matches is genuinely difficult. But modern football is heading in this direction, and we can't do anything about it.

Regarding Man Utd, how would you assess the job their manager (Carrick) has done there?

Well, I think they're doing well, but I really don't know. I don't really want to talk about or prefer not to discuss other managers and teams.

Are you surprised to see Man Utd struggling?

But it's only early in the season, right? Very, very many clubs haven't really hit their peak yet. But I've watched Man Utd several times, and I don't think they're declining or struggling. I think they're playing quite well. I've also watched their matches, like their recent game against Fulham, and the match against Brighton in the EFL Cup – they led 2-0 but ultimately lost 3-2 – but I don't think they're in a period of decline.

Roberto, Tottenham has controlled possession in many matches this season, but when you come to Old Trafford to face Man Utd, possession might be slightly lower, which could create more opportunities for transitions and counter-attacks. Do you think this would suit your team better? When facing Man Utd...

But all teams must be able to adapt to the match, right? The ideal situation, of course, is to control possession from start to finish, create 20 scoring chances, and give the opposition none. But you must adapt, you must prepare the match according to your philosophy and beliefs. I think we have a very clear style of play, and then we must adapt. We're playing away from home against a strong team with very talented players.

But what's certain is that we will never simply sit deep in our half and only counter-attack; we will try to play our way. Sometimes you're in your own half, sometimes you need to defend, sometimes you need to control possession, sometimes you need high pressing – that's how the game works. The real issue for us now is that we seem to be two different teams: one that can control the pace of the game, create chances, and deny the opposition; but at other times, we struggle to defend well and can't create enough chances. That depends on specific moments in the match, right? We must improve...

Consistency and stability?

Yes, consistency and stability throughout the same match.

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