Richarlison backs criticism of Roberto De Zerbi as Tottenham exile takes new twist

Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison has publicly supported criticism of manager Roberto De Zerbi over his continued exclusion from the first-team squad.

The Brazilian forward shared comments from former Everton coach Duncan Ferguson on Instagram, suggesting he agrees with the criticism of his treatment at Spurs.

Richarlison has been frozen out since a proposed summer move to Vasco da Gama collapsed, leaving his future in north London increasingly uncertain.

Ferguson, who previously worked with Richarlison at Everton, questioned Tottenham's decision to exclude the striker from senior competition.

Speaking on The Overlap Daily, Ferguson said: "You don’t leave a player like that out unless there’s been a real murder: he’s chinned him or there’s been a proper scrap on the training ground."

Richarlison subsequently shared the comments on his Instagram Stories on Saturday, adding: "Thanks Duncan Ferguson, you are right."

The post is likely to raise further questions about the relationship between the forward and De Zerbi.

Richarlison was omitted from Tottenham's Premier League squad after failing to secure a summer transfer, while De Zerbi has also ruled him out of senior cup competitions.

Despite his first-team exclusion, Richarlison returned to competitive action last week with Tottenham's Under-21 side in the EFL Trophy.

The former Everton striker scored a volley during a 2-2 draw against Cheltenham Town and converted his penalty in the subsequent shootout, which Spurs lost 7-6.

Cheltenham manager Steve Cotterill praised Richarlison's attitude as "immaculate" after the Brazilian stayed behind to sign autographs.

However, Under-21 fixtures currently appear to be his only route to competitive football before January.

Tottenham are reportedly hoping to arrange a permanent departure when the transfer window reopens.

De Zerbi is expected to address the media on Sunday ahead of Monday's Premier League meeting with Coventry City, potentially providing an opportunity to respond to Richarlison's latest comments.

De Zerbi is scheduled to speak to reporters on Sunday before Tottenham host Coventry City on Monday.

Attention will turn to whether the Spurs manager addresses Richarlison's social media post, while the striker faces another extended period without senior football before the January transfer window.