Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi was unequivocal about the importance of the upcoming clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers, even as he tries to shield his squad from excessive pressure. The Spurs are still fighting to avoid the same fate that befell several clubs last season, and the match at Molineux represents a pivotal moment in their relegation battle. At the start of the weekend, Tottenham found themselves entrenched in the Premier League’s relegation zone. They sit two points behind 17th‑placed West Ham United and eight points adrift of 16th‑place Nottingham Forest after a 5‑0 demolition of Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Friday night.
That heavy defeat only deepened the anxiety surrounding the club’s survival prospects. Earlier in the week, De Zerbi’s side managed to secure their first point under the Italian coach with a 1‑1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion at home. Spurs had taken the lead twice during that encounter, but ultimately could not hold on for the win. Despite that small step forward, Tottenham have yet to register their first league victory of the 2025‑26 season.
With just five matches left on the calendar, every point becomes crucial. "I don’t want to create extra pressure, but we must be fully aware of where we stand," De Zerbi told reporters. "We can’t ignore the table, and we can’t ignore the need to win. What we have done so far simply isn’t enough.
If we manage to take three points at Wolves, the battle isn’t over, but it will be a massive step forward." He went on to stress that there are still four games remaining after the Wolves fixture, and that Spurs deserve to win those games. "Brighton were one of the strongest sides in the league, and after Chelsea everyone understood the quality we were up against.
We played well but were unlucky. This isn’t an easy match," De Zerbi added, referring to the fact that Wolves have already been relegated and will be playing with nothing to lose. The manager highlighted the difficulty of facing a side that can throw caution to the wind because their fate is already sealed.
"They have nothing to lose, which makes them dangerous. We have to play our football without feeling the weight of expectation too much. My job is to prepare the team as best I can, but ultimately it’s about the players executing on the pitch.
They are talented, have the right attributes, and can keep their heads clear." In addition to tactical preparation, De Zerbi addressed the fitness situation of key players. James Maddison, the England midfielder who suffered an ACL injury during pre‑season, will travel to Wolverhampton with the squad but is still not match‑fit.
He was named on the bench for the Brighton game, marking his first inclusion since the injury, yet he has not featured in a Premier League match for a full year. "Maddison isn’t fully available yet. He’s been feeling some pain, especially this week, but it isn’t serious. He’ll travel with us because he’s important for the group," De Zerbi explained.
"Whether he plays or not doesn’t change the plan, but having him on the field would be a huge boost. He brings leadership and a positive attitude that lifts the dressing room." The injury list remains extensive. Destiny Udogie, Pape Sarr and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario are all sidelined, joining captain Cristian Romero, Mohamed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski among others. De Zerbi gave a brief update on each case.
"Udogie had a problem after the first half against Brighton; I don’t think he’ll be fit for tomorrow, but we have Djed Spence and Souza available, and I hope Udogie can return for the Villa Park game. It’s not a major injury, but it does affect us." Regarding Sarr, the manager said the midfielder suffered a shoulder strain and has not trained with the group this week, making him unavailable for the Wolves trip.
Vicario, the backup keeper, is also out but is expected to re‑join the squad on Monday after a period of rest and rehabilitation. "Antonin Kinsky is playing very well, and I hope Vicario comes back in top physical condition," De Zerbi added. Beyond the on‑field concerns, Tottenham have taken a firm stand against racism.
The club announced that players will wear shirts emblazoned with the slogan “Spurs against Racism” for the Wolves match. This decision follows online abuse directed at defender Kevin Danso after the Brighton draw. Tottenham reported the abusive content to the Metropolitan Police, resulting in the removal and banning of several accounts. De Zerbi expressed his frustration at the incident, saying, "I was very upset by the abuse aimed at Kevin.
He played a fantastic game, and one mistake does not define him. What matters is his conduct on the pitch.
He will be with us next season; he’s a good guy and we’re fortunate to have him." The club’s official statement reinforced its zero‑tolerance policy, emphasizing that any form of racial abuse will be met with the strongest possible action. By wearing the anti‑racism shirts, Spurs aim to send a clear message to fans worldwide that discrimination has no place in football. For supporters who cannot attend the match, highlights will be available on the Sky Sports app from 5.15 pm on Saturday, and the club encourages fans to engage with the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £250,000, with free entry.
In summary, De Zerbi is walking a tightrope between motivating his players to deliver a vital win at Wolves and ensuring they do not feel crushed by the weight of expectation. With a thin squad, lingering injuries, and the looming specter of relegation, Tottenham’s next five fixtures will define the remainder of their season. The Wolves game, in particular, offers a chance to break the winless streak, restore confidence, and possibly shift the momentum needed to climb out of the danger zone. The combination of tactical preparation, player morale, and a strong stance against racism encapsulates the multifaceted challenges the club faces as it fights for survival in the Premier League.