Roberto De Zerbi Calls Tottenham's Carabao Cup Loss to Liverpool Unfair

Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham Hotspur’s head coach, voiced his frustration after his team’s 3-1 loss to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup third round. Despite creating many chances on the road, Spurs couldn’t convert, as Liverpool’s clinical finishing decided the match.

Feeling the Result Was Unjust

Tottenham’s struggles continued with this defeat, deepening their difficult start to the 2026-27 season. Goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai helped Liverpool secure victory under Andoni Iraola’s management. De Zerbi openly criticized the outcome, insisting his players deserved more due to the pressure they applied throughout the game.

"We have to shoot more times and we have to shoot better," De Zerbi said. "We have to finish better the clear situations. But we are sorry for the result, disappointed, frustrated for the result. I think it is unfair but we have to accept it and be stronger than this unlucky moment because I am honest. Honest with myself and with you."

Missed Opportunities Continue to Haunt Spurs

The stats highlight Tottenham’s dominance without the finishing touch. They took 17 shots, yet only a single header from Connor Gallagher found the target. This struggle to score has persisted into the Premier League, where Spurs have yet to net a goal this season.

De Zerbi believes bad luck has played a part in recent matches, pointing to other tough fixtures. "In these five or six games we have been, for sure, not lucky," he reflected, mentioning games against Newcastle, Everton, Nottingham Forest, and tonight’s loss.

Defensive Mistakes Costly Against Liverpool

While Tottenham's attack faltered, their defense also showed weaknesses. De Zerbi singled out errors that led to conceding goals, especially during transitions when Liverpool exploited gaps.

"We have to improve 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," he explained.

Looking Forward to Recovery

With the Carabao Cup now behind them, Tottenham must focus on addressing their issues before their next Premier League match. De Zerbi insists the team has quality but needs to build resilience to move past this rough patch.

"It is a tough moment but we have to be stronger to prepare our best for the next game," the coach said.

Upcoming Matches:

• 19 Sept 2026, 14:30 - Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa (Premier League)
• 20 Sept 2026, 16:00 - AFC Bournemouth vs Liverpool (Premier League)