Roberto De Zerbi, the manager of Tottenham Hotspur, has been unequivocal about the importance of the upcoming fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers. With the club still entrenched in the relegation battle, the match carries far‑more weight than a typical Premier League encounter.
Spurs sit deep in the bottom half of the table, currently two points behind 17th‑placed West Ham United and eight points adrift of 16th‑placed Nottingham Forest. Their recent 5‑0 defeat of Sunderland at the Stadium of Light did little to lift them out of the danger zone, and the side has yet to record a league win in the 2026 calendar year. After a hard‑fought home draw with Brighton – a game in which Tottenham twice held the lead before settling for a single point – De Zerbi stressed that his players must remain fully aware of the stakes. "I don't want to add extra pressure, but we have to recognise the reality of our situation," the Italian said in the post‑match press conference.
"We cannot ignore the table; we need to win. What we have done so far simply isn't enough. If we manage a victory at Wolves, the battle is not over, but it will be a significant step forward." The Wolves match is the first of four remaining league games, and De Zerbi believes his side deserves to claim points.
He praised Brighton as one of the league's strongest sides, noting that despite a solid performance, Tottenham were unlucky not to secure three points. "It wasn't an easy match," he added, referring to the challenge posed by a Wolverhampton side already confirmed as relegated. He highlighted Wolves' recent home form – a draw with Arsenal followed by wins over Aston Villa and Liverpool – and warned that a team with nothing to lose can be dangerous.
"We must play our football without the weight of too much pressure," De Zerbi explained. "My job is to prepare the team as best I can, but the players need to execute on the pitch.
They have the quality, and they can keep their heads clear." Injury concerns continue to plague Tottenham. Midfielder James Maddison, who suffered an ACL tear during pre‑season, was listed on the bench for the Brighton game, marking his first involvement with the squad in over a year. De Zerbi confirmed Maddison will travel to Wolverhampton but remains uncertain about his fitness. "He felt pain this week, but it isn’t a serious issue.
He’ll be with us tomorrow because his presence is vital, both on and off the field," the manager said. "If he can play, that would be ideal, but even as a leader in the dressing room his influence is important." The club also faces a growing injury list.
Defender Destiny Udogie, midfielder Pape Sarr and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario are all doubtful, alongside captain Cristian Romero, Mohamed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski. De Zerbi offered updates on each case. Udogie, who impressed in both halves of the Brighton match, is likely to miss the Wolves trip but could return for the next game at Villa Park.
"It's not a major injury; these things happen," De Zerbi remarked, emphasizing Udogie's importance to the squad. Sarr, who is nursing a shoulder problem, will also sit out the Wolves fixture. Vicario is unavailable for the match but is expected to rejoin training on Monday, with the hope that he will be fit for the subsequent game.
"Antonin Kinsky is playing very well, and I expect Vicario to return in top physical condition," De Zerbi added. Beyond the on‑field concerns, Tottenham will wear special shirts bearing the slogan "Spurs against Racism" for the Wolves clash. This decision follows an incident of online racial abuse directed at defender Kevin Danso after the Brighton draw. The club has reported the abusive content to the Metropolitan Police, resulting in the removal and banning of several accounts.
In his press conference, De Zerbi expressed his frustration: "I was very upset by the abuse aimed at Kevin. He played a fantastic game, and a single mistake does not define him. His character and professionalism are what matter." Spurs have pledged to continue their anti‑racism campaign, stating unequivocally that any form of racial abuse will be met with the strongest possible action. The club's statement underscored their commitment to protecting players and fostering an inclusive environment.
Fans can catch the live action on the Sky Sports app from 5.15 pm on Saturday, with highlights available afterward. Additionally, a promotional Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £250,000, with free entry for participants.
In summary, De Zerbi's message to his squad is clear: acknowledge the pressure, but do not be crushed by it. The Wolves game is a pivotal moment in Tottenham's fight for survival, and a win could provide the momentum needed to navigate the final stretch of the season.
The manager's focus remains on preparation, player welfare, and maintaining a positive, resilient mindset as the club strives to secure its Premier League status.