Actualités

Roberto de zerbi: tottenham’s survival clash against everton is ‘more important than a trophy’

By nigerreport / May 20, 2026

For Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham’s crucial match against Everton for Premier League survival transcends any trophy

Following Tottenham’s 1-2 defeat to Chelsea on Tuesday, manager Roberto De Zerbi emphasized the immense significance of Sunday’s fixture against Everton, stating it is “more important than a trophy” – a stark comparison to the Europa League title the London club secured last season.

After succumbing to a 1-2 loss at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea on Tuesday, Tottenham (17th with 38 points) remains precariously close to the relegation zone. West Ham (18th with 36 points), currently occupying the first relegation spot, poses a direct threat. Consequently, the Spurs are set to contest a pivotal match for their Premier League future against Everton this Sunday at 5 PM, while West Ham simultaneously hosts Leeds.

Tottenham’s manager, Roberto De Zerbi, underscored the critical stakes of this 38th league matchday. “Sunday is a final for Tottenham. Not in Bilbao against Manchester United [referring to last season’s Europa League]. The most important match is Sunday,” the 46-year-old Italian asserted. He further elaborated, “Now, we are playing for something more significant than a trophy. It is for the pride and history of this club. (…) It is about dignity.”

Almost exactly one year ago, the North London outfit salvaged a dismal Premier League campaign, finishing 17th, by triumphing over Manchester United (1-0) in the Europa League final – securing the club’s first major trophy since 2008. However, instead of building on that success for brighter days, the English club has regressed this season and now faces the grim prospect of relegation to the Championship for the first time since 1977.

De Zerbi maintains positive outlook for Tottenham

Tottenham, having secured only two home victories this season, must absolutely avoid defeat against the Toffees. The former Marseille coach (2024-2026) remains hopeful. “I would like us to play on Sunday with the same intensity we showed in the last 20 minutes [against Chelsea on Tuesday], where we displayed more energy, more passion, something extra within us,” he stated.

“Every single player is focused on our objective. They are working diligently throughout the week, and each of us wants to achieve this goal. I believe we are playing a final [on Sunday], a truly important match, and it’s in our stadium… We must stay alive. This is a monumental day for us,” he concluded, emphasizing the collective determination for Premier League survival.

Tottenham secures Premier League status if:
– They do not lose against Everton
– They lose against Everton but West Ham does not win against Leeds
Tottenham is relegated to the Championship if:
– They lose against Everton AND West Ham wins against Leeds

You may also like