Mateus Fernandes has opened up on his Tottenham debut after his sensational strike proved enough for Roberto De Zerbi’s men against MK Dons.
It was not a 5-0 scoreline for Tottenham Hotspur in their first pre-season game under Roberto De Zerbi, but Spurs still managed to secure a victory.
A 1-0 win was enough on Wednesday evening as Tottenham got their pre-season preparations off to a winning start by beating MK Dons at Hotspur Way in a behind-closed-doors friendly.
The star of the night was Mateus Fernandes, who scored a wonder goal on what was his first Tottenham appearance since completing his £85 million move from West Ham United this summer.
Mateus Fernandes reflects on dream Tottenham debut
Following the game, Fernandes spoke to Tottenham’s media team and opened up on what it meant to score such a spectacular goal, admitting he already considers it the best strike of his career.
Speaking to Tottenham’s media team, Fernandes said: “It was great… the second, you know, I did the goal and then won the ball again.
“And I was thinking, ‘No, I can’t shoot because if I miss, they will say it was lucky.’ So I controlled the ball. “Even this gives me confidence for the next game, for the next days. You know, the most important thing is to play well, control the game in the last minutes. I was so tired, so I need to improve this as well. But it is very important for me to play well.”
On scoring his first goal so early, he added: “Yeah, it was my favourite goal of my career, so it’s fantastic.”
On whether it goes straight in at number one, he continued: “Yeah, by a mile. The second one was last season, so I need to do this more and more times, to score goals and shoot from outside the box. I know that I can do it, so this just gives me confidence for the rest of the days.”
Fernandes on his role under De Zerbi, settling in and first impressions
Fernandes also discussed what he believes he can bring to De Zerbi‘s side, stressing that success will come through the team following the manager’s ideas rather than individual performances.
Speaking to Tottenham’s media team, Fernandes said when asked what he can bring to the team:
“Yeah, I think it’s not just about the midfield. You know, it’s about all the team speaking the same language. I think the main thing is that the gaffer, Mr De Zerbi, is the guy, so we just need to do what he says, what we are doing in training sessions – control the games, know the right time to pass, control the games and attack the box. This is our first game, so now we need to be at the right level, but it is important for us to control the game with the right timings and the right pace as well. We are looking forward to playing again.”
On his first few weeks and whether they have lived up to expectations, he added: “These first few weeks… first of all, the weather in England is so good, so it has not been too tough. But I think it is important for me to speak with the manager and speak with the guys. Everyone has been incredible, so I am very happy to be here. I know that I am playing for a massive club and, like I said in an interview, we are playing for the top of the Premier League and the level needs to be high. So we need to train, work hard, arrive in the games and play well.”
Finally, he revealed what is next for him: “As an individual, I want to be better. I want to have a better season than the last one. I know that I need to score more goals like I did today, give more assists and be more consistent in my game. Now I am playing for Tottenham, maybe the pressure can be even more, so I need to be better in many aspects, and this is the reason I am here. I know that Mr De Zerbi will improve me, will improve the team, and now it is just us against the world.”