Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear that Tottenham Hotspur’s fight for Premier League survival remains far more important than any transfer plans or summer rebuilding project. While speculation continues to grow around the players Spurs could target in the next transfer window, the Italian coach insists that all conversations about recruitment have been placed on hold until the club officially secures safety.
The Tottenham head coach revealed that he has not yet discussed transfer business with chief executive Vinai Venkatesham or sporting director Johan Lange because the entire focus inside the club is currently fixed on the final stages of the season. Spurs remain dangerously close to the relegation zone, but recent results have given supporters renewed hope that the nightmare campaign may finally end in survival.
Since De Zerbi arrived in north London, Tottenham have shown signs of life again. The Italian manager has guided the team through an unbeaten run at a time when pressure around the club was reaching breaking point. At the same time, relegation rivals West Ham United have continued to struggle badly, losing key matches and allowing Spurs to regain control of their own destiny.
Tottenham now need just one point from their final two Premier League fixtures to almost certainly secure their place in the division for next season. It is a shocking position for a club of Tottenham’s size and ambition, but De Zerbi has quickly understood the emotional pressure that comes with managing one of England’s biggest clubs during a crisis.
The 46-year-old admitted that he fully understands why rival supporters across the country would love to see Tottenham relegated. According to De Zerbi, the same mentality exists in Italy, where the biggest clubs are always under the spotlight and often become targets for criticism, pressure, and rivalry.
Rather than allowing that negativity to become a distraction, the Spurs boss wants his players to use it as motivation. He believes difficult moments reveal the true character of a team and insists his squad must embrace the pressure instead of fearing it.
De Zerbi also spoke passionately about Tottenham’s upcoming clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a stadium where Spurs have historically struggled throughout the Premier League era. Tottenham have managed just one league victory at Stamford Bridge since the Premier League began, making the trip one of the toughest fixtures imaginable for a side still battling relegation.
However, the Italian coach does not want fear or negativity inside the dressing room. Instead, he wants his players to imagine celebrating victory in front of Chelsea’s home supporters. For De Zerbi, football is built on rivalry, pressure, and emotional moments, and he believes those challenges should inspire players rather than intimidate them.
At the same time, he has warned Tottenham against losing control emotionally during such a huge match. Both Spurs and Chelsea have struggled with discipline this season, regularly collecting bookings and suspensions. Because of that, there has already been discussion among supporters about whether the fixture could become another chaotic and heated battle similar to the famous “Battle of the Bridge” in 2016.
De Zerbi, though, wants his players to remain calm, focused, and intelligent. He believes Tottenham’s biggest mistakes this season have often come from panic, emotional reactions, and forcing situations unnecessarily. The coach pointed to moments in recent games where Spurs rushed decisions on the ball instead of staying composed under pressure.
The Italian knows he must also control his own emotions on the touchline. He has already collected two yellow cards since arriving at Tottenham, and another booking against Chelsea would result in a suspension that could rule him out of the dugout for the potentially decisive final-day clash against Everton.
Despite the tension surrounding the club, De Zerbi has repeatedly praised the attitude and commitment of his players behind the scenes. He believes the squad deserves credit for fighting through such a difficult situation after months of criticism and disappointment.
According to the Spurs manager, there are no shortcuts in football. He explained that success only comes through hard work during training, improving tactical understanding, building confidence, and creating strong relationships between players and coaching staff. He has focused heavily on individual meetings and tactical preparation since arriving at the club in an attempt to rebuild belief inside the squad.
One thing De Zerbi refused to accept was the suggestion that Tottenham should simply play for a draw against Chelsea. Even though a single point would almost guarantee survival, he insists Spurs must enter every match with the mentality to win. He does not want fear to dictate performances and believes teams become vulnerable the moment they start protecting results instead of chasing them.
The Tottenham coach also briefly addressed questions surrounding managerial influence over transfers following Chelsea’s appointment of Xabi Alonso as their new manager. While Alonso has reportedly been promised significant influence behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge, De Zerbi admitted that every modern coach naturally wants to have an important voice in recruitment decisions.
Still, he stressed once again that transfer discussions are not currently his priority. De Zerbi confirmed that he enjoys a strong relationship with both Vinai Venkatesham and Johan Lange, but all conversations regarding the future will wait until Tottenham’s Premier League status is officially secured.
For now, the mission is simple. Keep Tottenham in the Premier League first. Everything else can come later.
