Tottenham Hotspur’s manager Roberto De Zerbi has been unmistakably clear about the importance of the upcoming clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers, a fixture that could prove decisive as the north London club continues to fight to escape the relegation zone. After a crushing 5-0 defeat to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, Spurs find themselves perched precariously in the Premier League standings, sitting two points behind 17th‑placed West Ham United and eight points adrift of 16th‑place Nottingham Forest. The loss has left the team with a lingering sense of urgency, especially as they have yet to secure a league win in the 2026 calendar year.
The recent draw against Brighton & Hove Albion, in which Tottenham managed to hold on for a point after leading twice, marked the first point earned under De Zerbi’s tenure. Yet, despite the modest improvement, the manager emphasized that the side cannot become complacent. "I don’t want to add pressure, but we must be fully aware of our situation," De Zerbi said in his pre‑match press conference.
"We cannot ignore the table, and we cannot forget that we need to win. The performances we have delivered so far simply aren’t enough. If we can take three points at Wolves, the battle isn’t over, but we will have taken a massive step forward." De Zerbi highlighted the difficulty of the task ahead, noting that Wolves have already been relegated and therefore have little to lose.
"It’s not an easy game," he admitted, referencing the fact that Wolves have already confirmed their drop to the Championship. "They have nothing to lose, which makes them dangerous. We have to play our football without being overwhelmed by pressure." The manager also reflected on Tottenham’s recent home form, pointing out that the team has drawn with Arsenal and secured victories over Aston Villa and Liverpool in the previous three fixtures at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. "Those results show we have the quality to win games," De Zerbi said.
"After the match against Chelsea, everyone understood that we could compete with the best. We played well against Brighton, but luck was not on our side." In addition to tactical considerations, De Zerbi addressed the squad’s injury list, which continues to grow. Key figures such as captain Cristian Romero, Mohamed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski remain sidelined, while Destiny Udogie, Pape Sarr and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario are also doubtful for the Wolves game.
"Udogie suffered a problem after the first half against Brighton and I don’t think he will be available tomorrow," De Zerby explained. "He is an important player for us, but we have other options like Djed Spence and Souza who can step in." Sarr’s absence was also confirmed, with the midfielder dealing with shoulder pain that has kept him out of training this week. Vicario, the backup keeper, is expected to return to full fitness by next Monday, according to De Zerbi.
"Both players are crucial, and I hope they can rejoin the squad as soon as possible," the manager added. The midfield also faces uncertainty surrounding James Maddison. The England international, who has been out since a pre‑season ACL injury, was named on the bench for the Brighton match but has not yet returned to full match fitness.
De Zerbi clarified that Maddison is still experiencing pain and is not yet ready to play, though he will travel with the team to Wolverhampton. "Whether he plays or not is secondary," De Zerbi said. "If he can feature, it would be fantastic, but his leadership and positive influence in the dressing room are valuable regardless of his minutes on the pitch." Beyond the on‑field issues, Tottenham will be making a visible statement against racism. The club announced that players will wear shirts emblazoned with the message "Spurs against Racism" for the Wolves fixture, a response to the online abuse directed at defender Kevin Danso after the Brighton draw.
Tottenham has 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, stating, "I was very annoyed by the abuse aimed at Kevin. He played a fantastic game and one mistake does not define him.
The behaviour off the pitch is what we must condemn." The manager also praised Danso’s character, noting that the defender will remain with the club next season. "He is a good guy, and we are lucky to have him," De Zerbi affirmed.
Looking ahead, De Zerbi’s primary objective is to ensure his players understand the stakes without succumbing to anxiety. He emphasized his role in preparing the team meticulously while allowing the players to express themselves naturally on the field. "My job is to set up the game in the best possible way and then let the football happen. These are very talented individuals who can perform when they are clear in their heads," he said.
The upcoming match at Molineux Stadium therefore carries multiple layers of significance: a chance to collect vital points, an opportunity to demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity, and a platform to reinforce the club’s commitment to social responsibility. With five games left in the season, every point is precious, and De Zerbi hopes his side can rise to the occasion, secure a win, and keep their Premier League survival hopes alive. For fans wishing to follow the action, the game will be streamed live on various platforms, and highlights will be available on the Sky Sports App later in the evening. Additionally, Tottenham supporters can participate in the club’s promotional Super 6 competition for a chance to win a £250,000 prize pool.
The club’s message remains clear: fight for every point, stand united against racism, and keep the spirit of the team alive as the season reaches its climax.