Roberto De Zerbi sets Savio goals target he got nowhere near at Man City | Football

Roberto De Zerbi has challenged new Tottenham signing Savio to score far more goals than he did at Manchester City, setting the winger a specific target.

The 22-year-old has made the move to north London this summer in a deal worth an initial £75million and made his debut on Wednesday night.

It went very well for the Brazil international as he came off the bench to score a goal and provide an assist in a 5-1 Carabao Cup win over Charlton.

In his two seasons at Manchester City the Brazilian was largely a bit part player, making 84 appearances but many of those coming as a substitute.

In those 84 outings he scored just seven goals, netting just twice in 53 Premier League appearances.

De Zerbi wants a lot more end product out of the winger and has set him the task of scoring at least 10 goals this season for Spurs.

Savio did hit those heights during his loan spell at Girona in 2023/24 when he scored 11 times in all competitions and nine in La Liga. That is the level De Zerbi wants to see him reach again.

‘It was a perfect day for him,’ De Zerbi said of his new signing after the Charlton win. ‘I think his biggest step and biggest improvement is to increase the number of goals.

‘With his qualities, he is one of the best wingers. But the best wingers score many goals.

‘I spoke with him yesterday, two days ago. We put the goal on 10 to 12 goals because we need those goals from the wingers.

‘Last season, I think we suffered too much. Also, because the number of goals were not enough to compete for nothing more than that position.’

De Zerbi also had high praise for another summer signing, Mateus Fernandes, who he feels can be a star in two positions in his midfield.

‘Mateus Fernandes is another talent, big talent,’ said the Italian. ‘We are lucky because he can cover two positions on the pitch, like as a pivot or number 10.

‘Anyway, he brings quality, he is dynamic and he fights on the pitch, because I think in the last season he was one of the best players in terms of regaining the ball, in the duel.

‘He is important, like [Conor] Gallagher, because we can’t forget Gallagher. I think today Rodrigo Betancur played very well. I think now he is very important for us.

‘Unfortunately, he started the season later than the other players, but when Rodrigo Betancur is fit, he is available, he is in the right physical condition, he is a different player. Because his understanding is great, he is a different player.’

MORE: Everton set huge asking price for Arsenal and Manchester City transfer target

MORE: Carabao Cup draw in full as Arsenal and Manchester United learn opponents

MORE: ‘100 per cent’ – Micah Richards urges Man City to hijack Arsenal transfer move for £128m star