Mudryk came off the bench in the second half at the City Ground, making his first competitive appearance in 646 days. The 25-year-old, who joined Spurs from Chelsea on a season-long loan earlier this week, replaced Mathys Tel as Tottenham searched for a breakthrough.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, De Zerbi believes Mudryk will need time before he can operate at his best after such a lengthy absence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe\u2019s not ready yet. He\u2019s working to reach the best physical condition. \"He needs time; he needs work,\u201d De Zerbi said after the match, as quoted by ESPN.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Italian manager also highlighted the competition between Mudryk and Tel, saying both players possess considerable potential but need to improve their decision-making in the final third.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIn that position, we have Mathys Tel, big potential. But also Mathys takes too many wrong decisions, and Mudryk. So, two big players, two big potential players,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mudryk\u2019s return came as Tottenham continued a difficult start to De Zerbi\u2019s tenure in the Premier League. Spurs have now failed to score in their opening three league matches.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
De Zerbi was also forced to manage the minutes of Savio and Destiny Udogie, with both players withdrawn around the hour mark as part of a pre-agreed plan with Tottenham\u2019s medical team.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry because Savio and Destiny, in that moment, I think they could play something more than 60 minutes, but there was a plan with the medical staff to not take risks. In this moment, I can\u2019t decide like the pitch says,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Spurs boss admitted he was unhappy about having to take off two influential players but accepted that the decision was necessary given their physical condition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSavio does not have the best physical condition to play 90 minutes. He\u2019s an important player for us, a crucial player. Destiny is another crucial player for us,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
De Zerbi also acknowledged that Tottenham\u2019s new-look attacking unit will need time to develop an understanding. The club spent heavily during the summer transfer window but remain without a league goal after three matches.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSavio does not have the best physical condition to play 90 minutes. He\u2019s an important player for us, a crucial player. Destiny is another crucial player for us,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mudryk\u2019s return provides another attacking option for Spurs as they look to end their early-season goal drought. Tottenham will next face Everton in the Premier League before their League Cup trip to Liverpool later this month.<\/p>\r\n\r\n