'I Kissed Rodrigo and Said Thanks': De Zerbi Backs Bentancur's Red Card

Roberto De Zerbi had an unusually warm message for Rodrigo Bentancur after the midfielder was sent off during Tottenham's 1-1 draw with Manchester United. Asked about the dismissal, the Spurs head coach said he had gone over to Bentancur afterwards: "I kissed Rodrigo and said thanks." He added that he liked the red card.

A sending-off usually leaves a manager facing a numerical disadvantage and a difficult conversation about discipline, so De Zerbi's reaction stands out. Rather than distancing himself from the moment, he chose to back the player involved, which signals how much he values Bentancur's commitment to the side.

Bentancur has built a reputation at Tottenham as one of the most combative players in midfield. His willingness to win the ball back and put his body on the line has made him a useful, if sometimes volatile, presence in the middle of the pitch. De Zerbi's comments suggest he sees that same intensity as something to protect rather than correct.

Securing a point against Manchester United is a respectable return for Tottenham, even if the match ended with the team having to play with ten men for a spell. The manager's response shifts the focus from the foul or the card itself to the attitude behind it.

We will update this story if more detail emerges about the incident or about any further disciplinary action against Bentancur.