Spurs boss Roberto de Zerbi says he embraced the red card that sent Rodrigo Bentancur off in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
Most managers would be fuming after a sending-off. Roberto de Zerbi went the other way. After Tottenham's 1-1 draw with Manchester United, the Spurs boss revealed he kissed Rodrigo Bentancur and thanked him for getting sent off.
The Uruguayan midfielder was shown a red card in the contest, leaving Tottenham to play on a man down against one of the Premier League's most high-profile opponents. For De Zerbi, that moment was not a disaster. It was something he says he actually liked.
It is a classic De Zerbi reaction. The Italian is known for his bold, unconventional approach, and this was another glimpse of a coach who sees opportunity where others see trouble. Publicly backing a player who has just left his team short is a strong message about trust and standing together.
The point shared by both sides at least keeps Spurs moving in a tight league. Whether the red card ends up as a turning point or just a talking point will depend on how Tottenham respond, and on how Bentancur's absence is handled in the games ahead.
