Roberto De Zerbi has admitted that Tottenham must accept their young players will make mistakes after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Leeds.
Spurs missed the chance to move four points clear of the relegation zone as Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck from the penalty spot in the 74th-minute to cancel out Mathys Tel’s opening goal.
The hosts had been on top until the penalty, which was awarded after Tel kicked Ethan Ampadu in the head as he tried to clear the ball.
Tel had given Spurs the lead with a sumptuous effort in the 50th minute, but it was ultimately his defensive lapse that meant De Zerbi’s men were only able to extend their lead over 18th-place West Ham to two points.
Asked what he had said to Tel at full time, the Italian offered his support for the French winger.
Hero to zero: Mathys Tel (Getty)
“[I gave him] a big hug and a big kiss,” De Zerbi said.
“Nothing more because he is a young player and a big talent. He scored a great goal and he made a mistake because he has not the right experience.
“He has not played too many games in his career and we have to accept (he will make mistakes).”
Spurs’ lack of attacking depth was exposed as they failed to make their advantage count in the second-half.
Injuries have left De Zerbi short of attacking options, but he was able to call upon James Maddison from the bench as Spurs chased a late winner.
The 29-year-old came on in the 85th minute for his first competitive game in over a year as De Zerbi rolled the dice in search of a goal.
De Zerbi has been hesitant to rush Maddison back to action, and admitted he played more minutes than he had expected when he spoke to the English playmaker yesterday.
Return: James Maddison (PA)
“Great news for us. He is a different player as a quality, as a guy and he will be I hope crucial for us,” De Zerbi continued.
“Yesterday I spoke with him about his physical condition and about how many minutes he could play.
“He played more than what he said yesterday. We are happy for him but I think we are in the right way.”
