De Zerbi reveals two reasons why Tottenham manager Stellini annoyed him: Football Italia

Roberto De Zerbi reveals two reasons why he was upset with Cristian Stellini last week when both managers were sent off at Tottenham-Brighton.

De Zerbi and Stellini both saw red during their last meeting in north London on April 8. They started arguing even before kick-off and were eventually sent off in the second half at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“I don’t like the method of sending messages through press conferences. I told him, very politely, before the game, without threatening or aggressive tones, ”RDZ told Sky Sport Italia, explaining why he was upset with his compatriot.

“After that, if those on the bench start putting pressure on the referee, I get upset and highlight it a little more.

“He (Stellini) knows why he was upset, but I don’t want to talk about it again. I think he understood because I told him. I’m not stupid. If I do certain things, I have reasons for it.”

Before the game, Stellini said that De Zerbi had done a great job at Brighton, although he could benefit from what Graham Potter had done previously at the club. According to Il Corriere della Sera, this is one of the ‘messages’ De Zerbi was not happy with.

The Italian newspaper had already reported earlier this week that RDZ was also upset by Tottenham’s protests against the referee.

Stellini, who has remained in charge of the North Londoners after the dismissal of Antonio Conte in March, also gave his version during an interview with Sky Sport.

“Nothing special happened, there have been many conversations, but I don’t think we should continue discussing it. It was probably a misunderstanding.”