LONDON — Tottenham Hotspur boss Roberto De Zerbi says Mykhailo Mudryk will need time to show his best after making his first appearance in almost two years.
The Ukrainian, a loan signing from Chelsea, came on as a second-half substitute in Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest for his first match in 646 days following an overturned drugs ban.
Mudryk, whose last appearance was in November 2024, replaced Mathys Tel in the City Ground stalemate, but De Zerbi is willing to be patient.
“He’s not ready yet. He’s working to reach the best physical condition,” the Italian said. “He needs time, he needs work.
“In that position, we have Mathys Tel, big potential. But also, Mathys takes too many wrong decisions, and Mudryk.
“So, two big players, two big potential players,” he added.
Savio started on the right wing against Forest and looked lively but was withdrawn on the hour along with left-back Destiny Udogie.
De Zerbi said he would have liked to keep them on, but was bound to a pre-agreed schedule with the medical team, which he accepts is for his “advantage”.
“I’m sorry because Savio and Destiny [Udogie] in that moment, I think they could play something more than 60 minutes,” he said according to PA Media.
“But there was a plan with the medical staff to not take risks. In this moment, I can’t decide like the pitch says.
“Before the game, the plan was Savio and Udogie around 60 minutes, because it’s dangerous, no?
“No, I’m not happy. But football is like this. Savio has not the best physical condition to play 90 minutes. He’s an important player for us, a crucial player.
“Destiny is another crucial player for us. I think (Mohamed) Kudus and (Andy) Robertson, they played well.
But, you know, to start one game like today, it’s not so easy to come in from the bench and adapt immediately.
“I’m not happy when we have the plan, but it’s for my advantage, for my business, the management of the players after injuries.”
