Richarlison's Late Winner Against Chelsea Puts De Zerbi in Keep-Him Stance

Richarlison scored a stoppage-time winner as 10-man Tottenham defeated Chelsea 2-1 in a pre-season friendly at Stadium Australia in Sydney.

The Brazilian produced the decisive goal from close range. Kevin Danso was sent off minutes after coming on at half-time, leaving Spurs to play the entire second half a man down.

De Zerbi Backs Richarlison but Admits Player May Want Out

Roberto De Zerbi made his stance clear after the final whistle: the Tottenham manager wants Richarlison to stay.

"He's important, it's not easy to find another striker."

"He's a lovely guy."

De Zerbi then acknowledged a complication. Tottenham "don't know" whether Richarlison will remain because the striker "sometimes" wants to leave. The manager endorsed him publicly while conceding the final decision hinges on the player, not the dressing room.

Richarlison's past season at Tottenham featured alternating periods of poor end product and high pressing intensity that made him indispensable. The inconsistency made a sale plausible; De Zerbi's public defence makes it less certain. The next move belongs to Richarlison and his representatives.