De Zerbi: 'Tottenham will not be relegated'

Coach Roberto De Zerbi admits that the fear of relegation is significantly affecting Tottenham players' mentality, while confidently asserting they will stay in the Premier League.

Tottenham is sinking deeper into the bottom of the Premier League standings with a minimal defeat at Sunderland's home ground in round 32. This is the 16th loss for the 'Roosters' this season, marking the first time they finish a round in the bottom three.

Tottenham was last relegated in 1977. However, the London club has endured 105 days without a domestic win, and the arrival of Roberto De Zerbi with a five-year contract has yet to halt the decline. In his debut match, the Italian strategist witnessed another disappointing Spurs performance at the 'Light' stadium.

When asked if relegation fears are causing Tottenham's difficulties, De Zerbi acknowledged: “I think it is. I am 46 years old and have more experience than the players. I am fully optimistic because I understand them, both as people and as players. My optimism isn't because we are Tottenham or because I must appear positive.

They have the quality to win. Our immediate goal is to secure one victory, because just one win will change everything.

You know me as a coach, but the mental aspect is crucial in my coaching philosophy. I want to instill confidence and provide the players with the best psychological state.

Therefore, we can definitely perform better. In training sessions, they excel when relaxed, but in matches, things differ. My job is to help them replicate what they show on the training pitch.”

Despite the current difficult situation, De Zerbi still believes Tottenham can avoid relegation.

The Italian strategist emphasized: “We are going through a challenging period. My job now is not to change the playing style. We have adjusted some details with and without the ball, but the key factor remains positive mentality. We have the quality to win, and just one victory will change everything.”

In this match, captain Cristian Romero left the field in tears after a collision with goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky. In that incident, Brian Brobbey seemed to push Romero, causing his knee to hit Kinsky's face.

De Zerbi added: “We need to monitor it over the next few days. I hope it's not a serious injury, because he is a key player for the team. Romero is an excellent person, a top-class player with strong character. We need him to finish the season and achieve our goals.

It might be a knee injury, but I cannot confirm yet as there is no precise information.”