RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Roberto de Zerbi says Tottenham will "have to respect" Richarlison's decision regarding his future this summer.
The 29-year-old scored a last-minute winner as 10-man Spurs beat Chelsea 2-1 to win the Sydney Super Cup, having seen Kevin Danso sent off just three minutes after coming on at half-time.
Richarlison tapped in from close range in the 92nd minute after Spurs midfielder Jamie Donley hit the post with a long-range effort, ending a sustained period of Chelsea pressure.
After the match, De Zerbi was asked whether Richarlison - who has entered the final year of his current contract - will remain at the club for the 2026-27 season.
"I don't know," he said. "I like him as a player and as a guy. He is unbelievable in terms of attitude and behaviour but, in the end, we have to respect what he wants to do."
When pressed on whether the Brazil international wants to leave, De Zerbi added: "I don't know. I don't understand [the situation] well because sometimes he wants to stay, sometimes he wants to leave.
"We have to speak anyway. There is not any problem [between us], he is a lovely guy."
The Italian coach was keen to point out Richarlison's impact in a chaotic campaign which saw Spurs battle relegation.
"For me, he is still an important player," he added. "It is not easy to find another striker like Richarlison. He scores goals. He knows the way.
"He scored 12 goals last season, not because of luck but because he knows how to score."
The situation comes in the context of Spurs' record-breaking £237m transfer window, which is set to continue with the pursuit of two more attackers.
Sandro Tonali, who the club signed from Newcastle United for £100m this summer , featured on the scoresheet for the very first time with a deflected 20-yard shot in the 17th minute.
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