Roberto De Zerbi offered his take on Tottenham's defeat at Liverpool, with a clear message to his players following the game, which saw the Reds progress into the next round
Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi.(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi felt that his side's defeat at Liverpool was "unfair," calling on his goal-shy attackers to shoot more frequently in future fixtures.
Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo had put Liverpool into a 2-0 lead. Conor Gallagher then halved the deficit before Dominik Szoboszlai popped up with a sensational strike late on to secure the victory.
Spurs had more possession at Anfield (44 percent to 45 percent) and created more chances, taking 17 shots to Liverpool's 12. But De Zerbi's side was managed by Andoni Iraola's, with the Reds making the fourth round draw, which takes place tomorrow.
"We have to shoot more times, we have to shoot better, we have to finish better the clear situations, but we are sorry for the result, disappointed and frustrated," De Zerbi said.
"I think it's unfair, but we have to accept and to be stronger than this unlucky moment. I'm honest. I'm honest with myself and I'm honest with you.
"I think in these five, six games, we have been for sure not lucky with Newcastle, with Everton, even with Nottingham, and tonight as well.
Liverpool's Spanish head coach Andoni Iraola applauds the fans following the English League Cup third round football match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, north west England on September 15, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
Andoni Iraola applauds the Liverpool fans following the Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield (Image: Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
"A lot of things, because the first goal we conceded, we didn't defend in the right way, and the second goal, we could be closer with Gakpo.
"But have to understand if we are in the right way or not, I think watching the game, the last three games, four games, maybe until minute 60 with Newcastle, I think we are in the right way.
"I believe in my players, I have a big confidence, a big opinion of my players, and when we arrive to find the click, to win a game, I think we enjoy with these players.
"The qualities of the players are incredible. Have a look at Omar Marmoush, Savio, Kudus, Lucas Bergvall, Mateus Fernandes, Andy Robertson, don't forget Pedro Porro. Solanke... Solanke's top. He's a good player."
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Tottenham has Aston Villa next weekend. Now out of the Carabao Cup, Spurs' only realistic chance of silverware this term is in the other domestic competition.
Liverpool.com says: Tottenham was always in the game, but its lack of threat at times in the final third, despite spending so much, was no surprise. Its only goals this season have come in the Carabao Cup.
Milos Kerkez did a great job with Mohammed Kudus for the most part, and James Maddison didn't make much of a difference when he was introduced in the second half.
As much as Spurs were always in the game, and the stats suggest that they created more, Liverpool was the worthy winner across the course of the 90 minutes.