Roberto De Zerbi has conceded there’s no time left to fully unravel Tottenham Hotspur’s growing crisis, stressing that the only solution is for his players to respond immediately with determination in their fight to avoid relegation.
The Spurs boss, appointed on a five-year deal amid doubts about his long-term future if the club drops divisions, insisted his fate will depend more on unity within the club than their league status.
Speaking in his first major interview, De Zerbi said he plans to stay “no matter what,” even in the event of relegation. However, he emphasized that his future hinges on alignment with the club’s hierarchy rather than which division they play in. “It’s not about the league,” he explained. “It’s about maintaining a strong relationship with the board and sharing the same vision.” Pressed further, he doubled down: everyone must be “on the same page.”
Crisis worsens after poor start
His tenure has begun badly, with a 1–0 loss to Sunderland leaving Spurs in the relegation zone. With only six games left, they sit two points from safety and remain the only side yet to win a league match in 2026.
Despite the situation, De Zerbi has urged his team to focus solely on immediate results rather than trying to fix deeper structural issues mid-season. “There’s no time,” he said. “We have to concentrate on the next match.”
Leadership concerns exposed
With captain Cristian Romero ruled out for the rest of the campaign, the squad’s lack of experience has become more evident. De Zerbi acknowledged the issue but argued leadership can come in different forms—not just from one figure.
He called on players like Micky van de Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur, João Palhinha, Dominic Solanke, and Xavi Simons to take responsibility in different ways—whether through composure, organisation, or influence on the ball.
Still, he made his expectations clear: players who don’t show character won’t feature.
Unity under strain
In a bid to strengthen team spirit, De Zerbi has already organized a squad dinner, aiming to build connections quickly as the season slips away.
He admitted that beyond tactics, understanding his players better is now a priority. His approach reflects the challenge of managing one of the league’s youngest squads—one lacking proven experience in relegation battles.
Crucial test ahead
Next up is a high-stakes clash with Brighton, De Zerbi’s former club, in a match that could temporarily lift Spurs out of the bottom three depending on other results.
A victory would offer brief hope, but any slip-up would intensify fears of a disastrous campaign. For De Zerbi, the message is simple: survival will depend not on analysis or reputation, but on unity, resilience, and players stepping up when it matters most.
