Tottenham Hotspur will travel across London to face Crystal Palace in hope of keeping their perfect start to the Premier League intact. 

The Premier League have today announced that Nuno Espirito Santo has won Manager of the Month for August. 

The Portuguese manager faced the media ahead of the fixture. 

Here are the key quotes:

  • On Romero, Lo Celso and Sanchez situation

It has been a chaotic week for Giovanni Lo Celso and Christian Romero.

The pair seemingly travelled away without Spurs' permission. Five minutes into their World Cup qualifier against Brazil, they were chased around by health authorities who claimed that they entered the country illegally.

The incredible scenes meant the game was called off and now the duo have been sent back to Hotspur Way.

Davinson Sanchez didn't quite have that drama but he also travelled out to South America.

Nuno had this say to say about the incident:

"First, it's confusing for everybody because we don't have much news from the governing body on what we should do and what we expect from the international break.

"This is the main concern for us, these things need to be solved for the future.

"But it is really difficult to understand because when a player is called up to his national team it's one of the most important things that a player has.

"At the same time, we should understand that this can happen to any of our players - not only our South American ones but our European players can be suddenly in the same situation because it is a pandemic.

"All the issues, all the situations we are going to solve it between ourselves.

Later in the press conference, Nuno was asked where the South American trio are now. 

He said: "I can tell you that they are in Croatia.

"That's what we decided to do to avoid more problems. So the solution was to get them in a country where after that they can join the group.

"They are working with a Sports Scientist and a Physio in Croatia."

Nuno then confirmed when they will be back in North London.

"They will arrive the day before the match against Chelsea so they will not be available for the Conference League game."

  • Team News

Spurs had a torrid time this week regarding the fitness of their players. Oliver Skipp, Ryan Sessegnon and Steven Bergwijn all have come back with problems but most concerning is Son-Heung Min. 

Nuno said this about the South Korean's situation. 

"Like some of our players, he came back with issues. Sonny is not so well. Let's wait for the club to make the announcement.

When asked if it is long-term, he simply stated:

"I don't know. Let's wait and see. The doctors will make the analysis."

Nuno then answered about the other players who have come back with injuries:

"Let's wait and see [whether they will be avaliable]. We have to assess, speak with our medical department and then make the decision for the squad of tomorrow."

  • On Emerson Royal joining the squad

Emerson Royal was signed from Barcelona on deadline day. The Brazilian has now joined up with the squad and is now ready to compete for a starting spot at right-back. 

Nuno spoke on the new addition:

"He's a good player. He's very talented and showed it in La Liga which is a tough competition.

"We bring him in because we believe he can help us. He's an offensive full-back. For sure, he has aspects to improve but this is our job."

  • On winning Manager of the Month

Shortly before the press conference started, it was announced that Nuno had won Premier League Manager of the Month for August

Spurs have had the perfect start to life in the league - winning three out of three without conceding a single goal.

Nuno had this to say about winning the award:

"Thank you for the award but the award is for everybody: it's for the football club and especially for the players as they committed themselves and won the three games."

 

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