Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi remains convinced that his side can triumph in all five of their remaining Premier League fixtures and thus preserve their top‑flight status. The optimism comes after a painful 2-2 draw with Brighton, where Georginio Rutter rescued a point for the visitors with a 95th‑minute equaliser, denying De Zerbi his first league victory and marking Tottenham’s first winless league campaign of 2026.
The stalemate, which former Spurs defender Michael Dawson described to Sky Sports as feeling "like a defeat," left the club a single point adrift of safety with five matches to go. Despite the daunting schedule – which includes a trip to Chelsea and a visit to Aston Villa, who are currently chasing a Champions League place – De Zerby insists that the squad possesses the quality and mental strength required to string together five consecutive victories and secure their Premier League future. Speaking at the post‑match press conference, De Zerbi 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 continued, "We have another five games – it's tough, every one of us knows it's a tough moment, it's a difficult situation – but we have another five games, 15 points, and this team is able to win five games in a row." The manager added that while confidence is essential, arrogance must be avoided. "Not to be arrogant, because I'm not arrogant, especially now, but we have enough qualities to fight and to win games in a row," he said.
The upcoming clash with Wolves – a side already teetering near the relegation zone – is seen by De Zerbi as a must‑win encounter. He 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.
I'm proud of their performance – they have to be stronger and focused just on the Wolverhampton game, and to 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," the Italian stressed.
De Zerbi also highlighted the advantages of working at a "big club, a big stadium" in the Premier League, insisting that the team possesses the right attributes to win. "We have to be positive, because I don't like the people who cry, who think in a negative way," he added. Sky Sports analyst Peter Smith echoed the urgency of the situation, stating that Tottenham cannot afford incremental progress or small signs of encouragement. "Tottenham are desperate for a huge, transformative boost.
And time is running out," he warned. Smith noted that Xavi Simons' spectacular curling strike earlier in the season seemed to spark hope, but Rutter's last‑minute equaliser shattered that optimism, leaving the squad and its supporters reeling. De Zerbi, while acknowledging the disappointment, found reasons to stay positive.
He praised the fans for their unwavering support and reminded his players not to dwell on a draw that felt more like a loss. Yet, the reality remains stark: Spurs have failed to win any of their last five league games when they have taken the lead, and they have yet to secure a victory in 2026. This pattern of failing to close out matches has become a recurring theme that the manager must address swiftly. Looking ahead, Tottenham's schedule grows increasingly challenging.
After Wolves, they face Aston Villa away – a side pushing for European competition – followed by a home game against an in‑form Leeds United, and then a potentially decisive showdown at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, rivals such as Nottingham Forest and West Ham still have games to play, meaning Tottenham could see the gap to safety widen before they even step onto the Molineux turf.
De Zerbi has introduced several tactical tweaks and emphasized the importance of possession, composure, and collective responsibility. He believes the squad's underlying talent can be unlocked, but deep‑seated issues – ranging from confidence deficits to defensive frailties – continue to hamper progress. Overcoming these obstacles in the remaining five fixtures is now a monumental task, but the manager insists that a combination of belief, discipline, and a positive mindset can turn the tide.
In summary, Roberto De Zerbi is unapologetically hopeful that Tottenham can rally, win five straight matches, and secure the 15 points needed to climb out of the relegation zone. His message to the players is clear: bring a smile, stay focused, reject negativity, and embrace the opportunity to prove that Spurs belong in the Premier League. The next five games will decide whether this optimism translates into reality or becomes another chapter in a season of missed chances.