Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi was unequivocal when he discussed the importance of Saturday's clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers, emphasizing that while he does not wish to overload his squad with anxiety, the reality of their situation demands a win. The Spurs are currently entrenched in the Premier League's relegation battle, sitting two points behind 17th‑placed West Ham United and eight points adrift of 16th‑placed Nottingham Forest after a 5-0 defeat to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Friday night.
Having secured only a single point under De Zerbi’s stewardship – a 1-1 home draw against Brighton where Spurs briefly led twice – Tottenham have yet to register their first league triumph of the 2026 campaign. With just five fixtures remaining, the Italian coach stressed the necessity for his players to remain fully aware of the stakes.
"I don’t want to create extra pressure, but we must understand the context," De Zerbi told reporters. "We cannot ignore the table, we cannot forget that we need to win.
What we have done so far is insufficient. If we can take three points at Wolves, the season is not over yet." He went on to note that there are four games left after the Wolves encounter and that Spurs deserve to claim victories.
"Brighton were one of the strongest sides in the league; after Chelsea everyone understood the difficulty. We played well but were unlucky," he added, acknowledging the fine margins that have defined their recent performances. The upcoming match at Molineux is particularly daunting because Wolves have already been relegated, meaning they have nothing to lose and will be highly motivated. "It’s a tough game because they have nothing to lose.
We have to play without too much pressure," De Zerbi said. "My job is to prepare the team as best as I can, but ultimately it’s about playing football.
These players have quality and can keep their heads clear." In addition to tactical considerations, De Zerbi addressed squad availability. Midfielder James Maddison will travel with the team to Wolverhampton, but the England international remains a doubt for the match. Maddison, who suffered a serious ACL injury during pre‑season, has not featured in a Premier League game for a year. De Zerbi explained, "Maddison still feels some pain, especially this week, but it’s not serious.
He will be with us tomorrow because his presence is important, whether he plays or not. He brings leadership and a positive influence to the dressing room." Injury concerns also affect several other first‑team members. Destiny Udogie, Pape Sarr, and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario are all sidelined, adding to a long list that includes captain Cristian Romero, Mohamed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski.
"Udogie had a good first half against Brighton but I don’t think he can play tomorrow," De Zerbi said. "We have Djed Spence and Souza available, and I hope Udogie recovers for the Villa Park game. It’s not a major injury, but it could happen. He is a crucial player for us." Sarr, who is dealing with shoulder pain, will miss the Wolves trip, while Vicario is expected to return to training next Monday after a brief absence.
"Sarr didn’t train with the group this week, so he’s unavailable. Vicario is also out, but I hope he can be back in top condition for the next match," De Zerby added, praising the form of Antonin Kinsky as well. Beyond the on‑field battle, Tottenham have taken a stand against racism. The club announced that players will wear shirts emblazoned with the message "Spurs against Racism" for the Wolves fixture, a response to online abuse directed at defender Kevin Danso after the Brighton draw.
Spurs confirmed they have reported the hateful content to the Metropolitan Police, resulting in the removal and banning of several accounts. De Zerbi expressed his frustration, saying, "I was very annoyed by the abuse aimed at Kevin.
He played a fantastic game. One mistake does not define a player; it’s the behavior on the pitch that matters.
He will be with us next season because he is a good person and we are lucky to have him." The club’s anti‑racism campaign underscores a broader commitment to creating a safe environment for all players and fans. By publicly denouncing hate speech and collaborating with law enforcement, Tottenham hopes to set a precedent for other teams in the league.
Looking ahead, Spurs must capitalize on any opportunity to climb out of the drop zone. The Wolves match represents a pivotal moment; a win would not only provide three vital points but also boost morale at a time when confidence is low.
De Zerbi’s pragmatic approach—balancing the need to avoid excessive pressure with the urgency of securing results—reflects the delicate tightrope that managers in relegation battles must walk. If Tottenham can execute their game plan, stay disciplined defensively, and exploit Wolves’ lack of motivation, they could secure the breakthrough they desperately need. However, the margin for error remains razor‑thin.
Every decision, from squad rotation to tactical adjustments, will be scrutinized as the season reaches its climax. Fans can watch the live action on the Sky Sports app, with highlights available from 5:15 pm on Saturday.
The club also encourages supporters to engage with the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £250,000, adding a bit of excitement off the pitch as the team fights for survival in the Premier League.