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Roberto De Zerbi has laid down a clear marker over what will define his future at Tottenham Hotspur, with events off the pitch set to shape what comes next.
If Tottenham Hotspur are going to secure their Premier League status next season, they need to start getting wins on the board, with six games left to go this campaign.
But it is hard to see where those victories will come from, given Spurs’ struggles this year, where they have yet to taste victory in the 14 games played in 2026.
This weekend does, however, present the Lilywhites with a fine opportunity to secure a win as they face Brighton and Hove Albion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for what is Roberto De Zerbi‘s first home game.
Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi addresses future amid relegation fears
The Seagulls are in fine form coming into this encounter, having won their last three consecutive matches, and will pose a significant threat to the Lilywhites.
But Tottenham cannot afford to drop any more points, as victory over Brighton would see Spurs leapfrog West Ham and climb to 16th.
However, they could end the gameweek five points adrift of safety should they lose and the Hammers win. The feeling is that a defeat for Spurs could all but end their fight for survival, with relegation becoming increasingly likely.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Roberto De Zerbi has now addressed what could influence his future at the club, stressing that alignment with the board is key rather than the division Tottenham find themselves in.
De Zerbi had previously stated that he would manage Spurs even in the Championship, and he has now reiterated that stance – this time with a caveat.
He said, “The problem is not the league. The problem is to keep the relationship with the board and to have the same ideas in the project.” He then clarified further, adding: “Yes. Everyone on the same page.”
Spurs must respond as pressure builds in final weeks
The next six games are crucial for Tottenham as they battle to stay up this season. De Zerbi himself has been pulling every trick he knows to galvanise his players ahead of what is a daunting challenge.
The new Spurs manager took his Tottenham players out for a meal ahead of their clash with Brighton in a bid to build unity within the squad. But he remains adamant that his focus remains on getting to know the players, rather than trying to work out why things have gone so wrong.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Friday, he outlined his focus on relationships, mentality and urgency within the squad, explaining: “I have to get to know my players better and better every week. We have no time to lose. We have no time to understand the problems we have this season. We have to be focused just on the next game. Transfer confidence.
“I can bring my philosophy of football. But also working to create a good atmosphere, a good relationship with the players. In this moment of football, the qualities of the players are important. But the spirit, the relationship between the players is too.
“We have to feel everyone’s responsibility in this situation. And we cannot cry. We have to push to get out of this situation.
“We need players with personality and character. Otherwise they do not play with me.”
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