Roberto De Zerbi
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has candidly discussed the pressure surrounding the club’s Premier League survival and the widespread desire for their relegation. With the team just a point away from securing their place in the league, De Zerbi shared his insights on the challenges faced and the motivation derived from such intense scrutiny.
Roberto De Zerbi said: “I am Italian and in Italy, it’s the same. For the biggest teams, it’s the same. We have to accept the pressure. We have to enjoy this pressure. We have to find new motivation from this pressure. I think it’s a good thing for us. We have to accept that football is nice because of the rivalry. It’s good to imagine ourselves celebrating the win in their stadium. It’s the reason football is like this, no? It’s a motivation, it’s a challenge. If a challenge is tougher, it’s better for us to find new motivation and to be focused on staying together from the beginning to the end of the game.”
De Zerbi addressed the speculation about Tottenham’s disciplinary record this season, particularly in light of past encounters such as the infamous “Battle of the Bridge” against Chelsea in 2016. He emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and focus on the game.
Roberto De Zerbi said: “Always calm with blood. With blood, with personality with the right spirit, but calm and focus just on the game. Because also the chance to score for Leeds [late on], when Kinsky saved. I don’t play normally! I don’t play on the pitch, and I have to be my myself. And normally, this (calm) is my behavior on the bench.”
Reflecting on the team’s efforts, De Zerbi credited the players for their hard work and resilience throughout the season. He highlighted the importance of preparation and strategy in achieving their goals.
Roberto De Zerbi said: “They worked very well every day during the week. In football there are no secrets. The secret in football is working hard during the week, improving all characteristics to play a good game, style of play, offensive and defensive phases, the right player in the right position, increase the confidence, make individual meetings with the players, but there are no secrets. The players deserve to make the points and stay up because they have suffered a lot and right now they are suffering for the situation but in the end I think they deserve to be happy.”
Looking ahead, De Zerbi dismissed the notion of playing for a draw in their upcoming match at Stamford Bridge, emphasizing the team’s commitment to winning.
Roberto De Zerbi said: “No, no. Stop. We can’t start the game thinking to draw. We have to start the game, and we prepare the game, and we speak in the meeting, to win the games. Both games. And then football is… we don’t know. But for sure we try to win.”
As Tottenham prepares for the future, De Zerbi touched on the dynamics of the transfer market and the role of a head coach versus a manager, particularly in relation to Chelsea’s appointment of Xabi Alonso as manager.
Roberto De Zerbi said: “I don’t know. I think every coach wants to be important in the transfer market, to find the connection with the sporting director, with the board of the club, because everyone works for the good of the club, not for ourselves. But it’s not important now. We have to stay up and then we can speak about everything.”
As the season draws to a close, De Zerbi’s focus remains firmly on securing Tottenham’s Premier League status and building a strong foundation for future success.
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