What happened between Cristian Stellini and Roberto De Zerbi? Many have asked after the pair clashed before Tottenham took on Brighton.
The Italian duo appeared to have a disagreement of some kind as they shook hands on the touchline in N17.
It was certainly a strange incident, especially after recent comments.
So, what has Stellini said about De Zerbi in the past? And what may be the reason for their clash? Let’s take a look…
What Stellini has said about De Zerbi
Well, this situation has baffled us – we cannot understand what De Zerbi could have been upset about, although there is one small thing that could have caused it.
It was the 43-year-old who appeared to instigate the argument, with Stellini visibly taken aback before De Zerbi then began to aggressively wag his finger in the Tottenham interim’s face, as you can see below.
It comes just days after Stellini actually showered De Zerbi in praise during his pre-match press conference, although he did say that the Brighton boss is “not fluid” like Graham Potter.
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As quoted by Football London, the 48-year-old said: “When he was a player he was aggressive. I challenged him sometimes and he was really aggressive. He was a good No.10 striker. He was good technically but very aggressive in the way he played and also talented. I don’t know how he is like a manager.
“I met him sometimes but I didn’t speak a lot with him. For sure his results were every time good results. He gave to his team a good characteristic. He’s very strong in the way he wants to play.”
“I think De Zerbi is not fluid (tactically) like Potter. De Zerbi is more a manager consistent in the way he wants to hurt the opponent. He is more focused with the ball and what they can do with the ball and being aggressive when they lose the ball. Potter was more fluid in the change of system but the players are smart to do it. You have to create intelligent players to do it.
“Yeah he improved a lot. He has a great personality like a manager and he arrive here in a new country and quickly he put his sign on his team. That is not easy for everyone and De Zerbi show also in England, in the Premier League he is a great manager.”
The only insult of any kind there amid glowing praise is Stellini stating that De Zerbi is not a fluid manager like Potter.
Surely, that couldn’t have caused the Italian to react so angrily towards Stellini.
Nevertheless, De Zerbi is clearly an emotional figure having already been sent off a few times since moving to England, so it may have upset him.
The Italian was dismissed once again during today’s game in north London, while Stellini was also red carded as the pair continued to bicker throughout the match as Tottenham eventually recorded a 2-1 win.
It is certainly an odd situation, to say the least – hopefully, we are given more clarity after the 90 minutes have ended.
In other news, Tottenham vs Brighton: Darren Bent makes prediction ahead of top 4 decider
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