Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi remains convinced that his squad has the capacity to win each of the five fixtures that remain on their calendar and thereby preserve their Premier League status. The Italian coach made his case after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion, a match that saw Georginio Rutter equalise in the 95th minute and deny Spurs a much‑needed victory. The late goal not only robbed Tottenham of their first league win of the 2026 calendar year but also left De Zerbi without a win in his inaugural home game at the club.
Despite the disappointment, De Zerbi stressed that the qualities he sees in his players are sufficient to turn the tide. Speaking at the post‑match press conference, he said, "I always believe in the qualities of the players.
They played a good game. I think we can play better than today, with more quality, more calm, especially when we are in ball possession, but in this moment we need this spirit, this attitude, this mentality, and it's not finished yet." He added that the team still has a full fifteen points available from the remaining five matches and that, in his view, "this team is able to win five games in a row." The Spurs' schedule is undeniably tough.
After the Brighton fixture, they travel to Molineux to face Wolverhampton Wanderers, a club that is already flirting with relegation themselves. That game is effectively a must‑win, according to De Zerby, who warned that any player arriving at training with a negative mindset will be sent home immediately. "They have to follow me, they have not to think, they have to follow me and to listen to me," he told reporters.
"I'm proud of their performance – they have to be stronger and focused just on the Wolverhampton game, and come to the training ground on Monday afternoon with a smile, because otherwise they go home immediately. I have no time for negative people, sad players or sad assistants.
No." Following the Wolves clash, Tottenham will face a series of high‑pressure encounters: a trip to Chelsea, a battle with Aston Villa who are pushing for a Champions League place, and a home fixture against Leeds United who have been in good form. The final match of the season pits them against a fellow relegation‑battling side, meaning every point will be crucial. De Zerbi knows that the margin for error is razor‑thin, yet he refuses to let pessimism take hold. "We are lucky because we are working in a big club, a big stadium, we are working in the Premier League.
We have the right qualities to win the game, so we have to be positive, because I don't like the people who cry, who think in a negative way," he asserted. Sky Sports analyst Peter Smith echoed the urgency of the situation, stating that this is not a moment for "small steps of progress and signs of encouragement" but rather a time when Tottenham need a "huge, transformative boost". Smith highlighted the brief surge of optimism that came when Xavi Simons scored a spectacular curling goal, only to see that hope evaporate when Rutter's last‑gasp equaliser restored the draw. The emotional roller‑coaster left players and fans alike reeling, and the spectre of relegation loomed larger than ever.
De Zerbi, however, is determined to extract positives from the performance. He praised the supporters for their unwavering backing and reminded his squad that a single point, while modest, is still a point earned in a hostile environment. Yet he also acknowledged the harsh reality: Spurs have now lost the opportunity to secure a win in any of their last five league games when they have taken the lead, and they have yet to taste victory in the 2026 season. This pattern of failing to finish matches strongly suggests a deeper issue within the team’s psyche and tactical execution.
To address these challenges, De Zerbi has been working on several key areas during training. He has placed a renewed emphasis on ball retention, encouraging his midfielders to maintain composure under pressure and to dictate the tempo of play. Defensively, the coach has introduced new positioning drills aimed at reducing the space opponents can exploit on the flanks, a weakness that Brighton capitalised on earlier in the season.
Off the pitch, he has instituted a strict code of conduct regarding attitude and preparation, making it clear that any player displaying negativity will face immediate consequences. The manager also highlighted the importance of squad depth. With injuries and fatigue setting in, he has begun to rotate his bench more frequently, giving younger players like Oliver Skipp and new signing Danilo the chance to prove themselves in high‑stakes matches. This not only freshens the team’s energy levels but also creates internal competition that can raise overall performance standards.
Looking ahead, De Zerbi believes that confidence can be rebuilt through incremental success. He pointed to the possibility of securing a win against Wolves as a catalyst for momentum.
"If we go into Molineux and win, the belief will grow. Winning breeds winning," he said.
He also stressed the need for collective focus, urging his players to treat each of the remaining fixtures as a separate battle, rather than being overwhelmed by the cumulative pressure of the relegation fight. In summary, while Tottenham's situation is precarious and the schedule unforgiving, Roberto De Zerbi refuses to accept defeat as inevitable.
He trusts in the talent at his disposal, insists on a positive, no‑excuses mindset, and is prepared to make tactical adjustments and personnel changes to maximize the chances of a five‑game winning streak. The upcoming weeks will test the resolve of both the manager and his squad, but the belief that a dramatic turnaround is possible remains at the heart of De Zerbi's message to the club, its staff, and its supporters.