Roberto De Zerbi has urged Tottenham Hotspur to play with “blood and spirit” as Spurs prepare for a decisive final-day clash against Everton in their battle to avoid Premier League relegation.
Roberto De Zerbi has called on his Tottenham players to show passion, character and fight as they prepare for a decisive final-day showdown with Everton in their battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
One last push 👊
👉 @Castrol pic.twitter.com/ha9BuTfNf2
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 21, 2026
Tottenham head into Sunday’s clash knowing defeat could send them crashing into the Championship if West Ham United also beat Leeds United. Spurs currently sit two points above the relegation zone heading into the final round of fixtures.
A draw would likely be enough to secure survival because Tottenham possess a significantly better goal difference than West Ham, but the pressure surrounding the club remains immense after a disastrous campaign.
The North London side are attempting to avoid relegation from the top flight for the first time since the 1977/78 season, with tensions around the club heightened by injuries and growing fan frustration.
One major talking point ahead of the match has been captain Cristian Romero’s decision to continue his rehabilitation in Argentina rather than remain with the squad during the decisive final week of the season.
However, De Zerbi refused to use Romero’s absence or the club’s injury problems as excuses, insisting his focus remains solely on the players available for selection against Everton.
“I don’t want to speak about Romero or Kulusevski,” the Italian manager said. “They cannot play and they are not here. My focus is on the players who can help us now. We have to play with blood, with character and with spirit because this is a final.”
De Zerbi also reminded his squad of the significance of the occasion, stressing that Tottenham are not simply fighting for points but for the future and pride of the club.
“There is something more important than trophies or bonuses,” he added. “There is the future of the club, the history of the club, and the dignity of everyone involved. That is the motivation we need going into this game.”
