Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi will watch Saturday's match against Ipswich Town from the stands, serving a one-match touchline ban. The suspension is automatic after he collected his third Premier League yellow card of the season during Spurs' 1-0 defeat at Leeds United last weekend.
De Zerbi was cautioned for remonstrations on the sideline after referee John Brooks booked his defender Pedro Porro. He had previously been shown yellow cards in the draw with Everton and the win over Chelsea earlier this season. Under league rules, a third managerial booking triggers a standard one-game suspension, prohibiting the manager from the touchline, technical area, and pitch before and after the match.
Touchline logistics
While banned from his usual dugout spot, De Zerbi is permitted to be inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He must sit in the directors' box or a stand opposite the bench. The Italian can still deliver the pre-match team talk and communicate with his staff during the game via electronic devices or written notes. He is also allowed to enter the dressing room at half-time and full-time.
Primary matchday responsibility will fall to his three assistant managers: Andreas Georgson, Bruno Saltor, and Andrew Crofts. They will manage the technical area and relay instructions directly to the players. De Zerbi can send tactical adjustments via a runner or over the phone.
A passionate character
The ban highlights De Zerbi's intense touchline demeanour, which has led to five cautions since he returned to the Premier League in April. After the Leeds defeat, he offered a cryptic assessment of his team's performance. "Two different games in the same game," De Zerbi said. He added, "If you are honest to analyse honestly, our behaviour in the second half, I think we can become a top team."
Ipswich, currently 14th in the Premier League standings with 11 points from 10 games, will look to capitalise on any disruption in the opposition dugout. Kieran McKenna's side are aiming to bounce back from a 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth last time out, a result that extended their recent run to just one win in five matches. The Blues have conceded 20 goals this season, a defensive record they will need to tighten against a Spurs side also seeking a response after their own weekend loss. Tottenham's recent form of one win in their last five league games mirrors Ipswich's struggles, setting up a key next fixture for both teams at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The original report is at Football London
