Richarlison's Anger Over Carabao Cup Omission
Richarlison has gone public with his anger at being left out of Tottenham’s squad for Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool, sharpening the focus on an already strained relationship with Roberto De Zerbi and the club.
The Brazil forward posted a screenshot of a social media graphic highlighting his omission, adding a single word – “Why?” – and a tearful, sad-faced emoji. One word, one image, and a very clear message: he is not happy.
Omission sparks fresh tension
Richarlison’s exclusion comes at a time when his future in north London is already under heavy scrutiny. A proposed move to Brazilian side Vasco da Gama collapsed last week, leaving the 29-year-old in limbo.
Sources indicated Tottenham had reached an agreement with Vasco over a fee, but the deal stalled at the final hurdle. Personal terms were not wrapped up before the Brazilian transfer window shut on Friday, killing the move and leaving Richarlison still on Spurs’ books – but now outside the squad for a marquee cup tie at Liverpool.
The timing could hardly be more delicate. A player who wanted out, a transfer that broke down, and then a high-profile omission. The frustration spilled onto his social channels within hours.
De Zerbi draws his line
De Zerbi did not hide behind vague explanations when asked about the situation in his pre-match press conference on Monday. He painted a picture of a manager who tried, repeatedly, to keep the striker on board.
“At the start of this season, I spoke to him many times to convince him to stay and he didn't want to,” De Zerbi said. “I can't go every day to pray for him to stay.”
The Italian underlined that the club had not only wanted Richarlison to remain, but had also moved to secure his long-term future.
“What I have done at the beginning of this season has been to speak with him and to propose an extension of the contract. If he said, 'no thank you,' I finished my job.”
Those words land with weight. From De Zerbi’s perspective, the responsibility has shifted. He made his pitch, offered a contract, pushed for continuity. The player declined.
A problem now bigger than the manager
De Zerbi hinted there is more to the story than can be aired publicly.
“I know what happened in the last 45 days. It's not right if I explained. It's not my behaviour. The relationship, the problem is between the player and the club.”
That line draws a clear boundary. This is no longer framed as a tactical decision or a simple squad rotation call. De Zerbi is effectively stepping aside from the politics, insisting the core dispute lies between Richarlison and Tottenham as an institution.
So Richarlison stays, but does not play. The manager distances himself from the fallout. The club holds a player who wanted to leave but remains under contract.
Tottenham travel to Anfield chasing a place in the next round of the Carabao Cup. Richarlison, watching from the outside, has already asked his question. The real issue now is what answer the club will give him once this window of calm between transfer periods slams shut.
