Italian coaches Cristian Stellini and Roberto De Zerbi saw red during Saturday’s Premier League meeting between Tottenham and Brighton and Il Corriere della Sera reports that the former Sassuolo boss was annoyed by claims from Antonio Conte’s former assistant.
The Italian tacticians clashed before and during a Premier League meeting on Saturday and were eventually sent off in the second half.
According to Il Corriere della Sera, De Zerbi was annoyed even before kick-off also due to some claims from his opponent. Stellini had said that De Zerbi did a great job at Brighton although he could benefit from what Graham Potter had previously done at the club.
The report claims De Zerbi was also annoyed by the many transfer rumours involving him. Inter have been mentioned as his potential next club with Simone Inzaghi on the brink and currently out of the top four in Serie A. Chelsea and Tottenham are also said to be monitoring the former Sassuolo boss.
During the match, De Zerbi complained about some refereeing decisions, so tension grew and caused another argument with Stellini, leading to a red card for both.
“I lost my focus on the bench but I have to say that I was respectful and calm,” explained the Spurs tactician after the match.
“I’m Cristian Stellini and I am the manager of Tottenham so I only speak of that. That is more important than anything.”
“I always respect everyone, especially the coaches. I can answer for me, not for him,” argued RDZ.
“It was a personal situation and I told him my idea. Not bad words, just my idea.”