For Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham’s battle for survival against Everton is « more important than a trophy »
On Tuesday, following a 1-2 defeat to Chelsea, Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi declared that Sunday’s decisive match against Everton, crucial for the club’s Premier League status, held greater significance than winning a trophy, drawing a stark comparison to the Europa League title the London club secured last season.
After their 1-2 loss at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea on Tuesday, Tottenham (17th, 38 points) remains deeply entrenched in a relegation battle. West Ham (18th, 36 points), currently occupying the first relegation spot, poses a direct threat. Consequently, the Spurs face a pivotal fixture this Sunday at 5 PM against Everton, a match that will determine their future in the Premier League, while West Ham simultaneously hosts Leeds.
Tottenham’s coach, Roberto De Zerbi, underscored the immense stakes of this 38th league day. « Sunday is the final for Tottenham. Not in Bilbao against Manchester United (referring to last season’s Europa League final). The most important match is on Sunday, » he asserted. The 46-year-old Italian tactician further added: « Now, we are playing for something more than a trophy. It’s for the pride and history of the club. (…) It’s about dignity. »
Almost exactly one year ago, the North London side managed to salvage a disastrous Premier League campaign, finishing 17th, by defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final – the club’s first major title since 2008. However, instead of building on that momentum, the English club has regressed this season and now faces the unprecedented possibility of dropping into the Championship for the first time since 1977.
De Zerbi remains optimistic
Tottenham, having secured only two home victories this season, absolutely must avoid defeat against the Toffees. The former Olympique Marseille coach (2024-2026) maintains a hopeful stance: « I would like us to play on Sunday as we did during the last 20 minutes (on Tuesday), where we showed more energy, more passion, something extra within us, » he stated.
« Every single player is focused on the objective. They are working hard throughout the week, and each of us wants to achieve the goal. I believe we are playing a final (on Sunday), a crucial match, and it’s in our stadium… So we must stay alive. This is a momentous day for us, » he concluded.
– They lose against Everton but West Ham fails to win against Leeds