{
  "id": 3975857,
  "title": "De Zerbi on Marmoush, Maddison, and 'one more player'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/de-zerbi-on-marmoush-maddison-and-one-more-player",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-28T14:05:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/zerbi-marmoush-maddison-one-more-140543412.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Roberto de Zerbi, Tottenham Hotspur's manager, discussed several players ahead of their upcoming Premier League match against Newcastle at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. New signings Omar Marmoush and Micky van de Ven are available to play, while Mohammed Kudus may need to come off the bench. However, James Maddison is a doubt due to a left shoulder injury sustained during the Brentford defeat.\n\nDe Zerbi praised Marmoush for his intelligence and understanding of the game, noting that the Egyptian has qualities no other player on the squad possesses. The manager also mentioned that Marmoush could play as a central striker or a number 10. He expressed satisfaction with the club's transfer activities, stating that they have exceeded his expectations at the beginning of the transfer window. De Zerbi highlighted the potential of young players and the positive atmosphere and behavior brought by more experienced players.\n\nRegarding potential future transfers, De Zerbi suggested bringing in one more player in a specific position. He and the club's owner had a dinner meeting on Thursday, and they are in alignment on this matter.\n\nDe Zerbi emphasized the importance of players understanding their roles within the squad, urging them to remain happy and proud if they wish to stay at the club. He acknowledged that the season ahead will be long and emotional as the team builds a new project with new players, requiring the right spirit, qualities, and organizational skills.\n\nIf a player wishes to leave, De Zerbi suggested that if they have not received an offer, it is their problem, not his. He stressed the importance of maintaining calm within the dressing room and not speaking excessively, as the rules have been clear from the start.\n\nDe Zerbi believes that Tottenham needs to improve significantly, particularly after their recent loss to Brentford. He reiterated that the team has the quality to win the upcoming match. Regarding Pape Matar Sarr, De Zerbi acknowledged his good qualities but stated that the team needs to assess his potential during the final day of the transfer market.",
  "summary": "Spurs boss Roberto de Zerbi has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Newcastle at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (kick-off 17:30). New signing Omar Marmoush is available to play, as is Micky van de Ven. Mohammed Kudus may have to come off the bench.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "De Zerbi confirms Spurs returns for Carabao Cup tie with Charlton – and gives update on Maddison",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/de-zerbi-confirms-spurs-returns-for-carabao-cup-tie-with-charlton-and",
        "published": "2026-08-25T14:25:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}