Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi insists that his side still has the capacity to win all five of their remaining Premier League fixtures and thereby guarantee their top‑flight status. After a dramatic 2-2 home draw against Brighton, in which Georginio Rutter struck a 95th‑minute equaliser that denied Spurs a first league victory of the 2026 calendar year, the Italian coach remained upbeat.
He told reporters that the squad possesses the talent, composure and fighting spirit required to turn the tide, even though the club now sits just one point above the relegation zone with five games left to play. The Brighton match was a bitter pill for Tottenham supporters. The late leveller felt, to former Spurs defender Michael Dawson, like a defeat rather than a draw, and it left the team still entrenched in the bottom three. Yet De Zerbi argued that the performance, while not flawless, showed promising signs.
"I always believe in the qualities of the players. They played a good game," he said at the post‑match press conference. "We can improve on today’s display – we need more quality, more calm, especially when we have the ball.
But right now we need spirit, attitude and the right mentality. It’s not over yet." Looking ahead, De Zerbi highlighted the daunting nature of the remaining schedule, which includes trips to London rivals Chelsea and a clash with Aston Villa, who are chasing a Champions League place.
Despite the difficulty, he maintained that a five‑game winning streak is within reach. "We have another five games – that’s 15 points – and this team is capable of winning five in a row," he asserted. "It’s not arrogance; it’s confidence in the abilities we have." The next fixture, a must‑win against Wolverhampton Wanderers, will be a litmus test. Wolves sit at the bottom of the table, and De Zerby made it clear that any player arriving at training with a negative mindset will be sent home immediately.
"They have to follow me, they have to listen and stay positive," he warned. "I’m proud of their effort, but they need to be stronger, focused on the Wolves game, and come to training with a smile. There’s no room for negativity or sad attitudes." Sky Sports analyst Peter Smith echoed the urgency, describing the situation as one that cannot be salvaged by incremental progress.
"Tottenham need a massive, transformative boost and time is running out," he wrote. Smith noted that Xavi Simons' spectacular curling strike earlier in the season had seemed like a turning point, but Rutter’s last‑minute equaliser dashed that optimism. The draw left Spurs with a single point from the match, but also one fewer game in which they can secure a win to shift the balance.
Statistically, Tottenham have struggled to finish matches when they take the lead, failing to win any of their last five Premier League games after going ahead. Moreover, they have yet to record a victory in 2026, highlighting a chronic inability to close out games. De Zerbi, aware of these patterns, emphasized that the squad must avoid wallowing in disappointment and instead focus on the concrete steps needed to secure points. The upcoming run‑in includes a hostile away visit to Aston Villa, who are fighting for a European spot, a home showdown with a resurgent Leeds United, and a potentially decisive clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Each of these fixtures presents a unique challenge, but also an opportunity for Spurs to demonstrate resilience. De Zerbi believes that the club’s infrastructure – a large stadium, a global fan base and the prestige of playing in the Premier League – provides a solid foundation for a comeback.
In addition to tactical adjustments, the manager stressed the importance of mental preparation. He warned against players arriving at training with a defeatist attitude, stating that such individuals would be asked to leave the training ground. "I have no time for negative people, for sad players or assistants," he said.
"We are lucky to work at a big club; we must be positive and focused." While the manager’s confidence may appear optimistic to some skeptics, it aligns with a broader narrative that Tottenham must seize every remaining opportunity. The next five games represent a total of 15 points – enough to potentially lift the club out of the relegation zone if they can secure victories in each match. De Zerbi’s message to his squad is clear: maintain belief, execute with discipline, and keep a positive mindset regardless of the pressure. If Spurs can translate this belief into performance, the season could end dramatically different from the current trajectory.
The upcoming matches will test the squad’s depth, tactical flexibility and psychological resilience. For now, De Zerbi’s mantra remains simple: stay positive, follow the plan, and aim for five consecutive wins to secure Tottenham’s Premier League future.