Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has challenged his players to show “blood, character and spirit” as the club fights to avoid relegation on the final day of the Premier League season.
Tottenham face Everton F.C. on Sunday knowing a draw should be enough to secure survival after a difficult campaign that has left the North London side dangerously close to the drop zone.
Spurs sit just above 18th-placed West Ham United F.C., who are two points behind with an inferior goal difference heading into the final round of fixtures.
West Ham host Leeds United F.C. at the London Stadium as all Premier League matches kick off simultaneously at 3pm GMT.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, De Zerbi described Sunday’s encounter as a defining moment for the club.
“We have to play with blood, with character, with spirit because it’s a final,” he said.
“There is something more important than the trophy and the bonus. There is the future of the club, the history of the club, the pride of the players and the dignity of every one of us.”
The Italian coach was appointed in late March after Tottenham endured a turbulent season filled with inconsistent performances and mounting pressure from supporters.
Sunday’s game has become even more tense following the absence of injured captain Cristian Romero, who travelled back to Argentina ahead of the clash.
Romero’s departure angered some fans, with questions raised over the timing of the trip as Spurs prepare for one of the biggest matches in recent club history.
De Zerbi, however, defended the situation and said his attention remained fixed on the match itself.
“The decision was with the medical staff, and I think he can’t change anything if Romero is in the stadium tomorrow or not,” he said.
“We have to focus just on the game, and I think we have players good enough to achieve our target.”
The Tottenham manager also declined to comment on whether Romero had played his final game for the club amid speculation surrounding the defender’s future.
“I think Cristian is a top player and with me he was a top guy. For the future, I don’t know,” he added.
At West Ham, manager Nuno Espirito Santo said Sunday’s match against Leeds would be the biggest game of his managerial career.
“We represent a huge club with an enormous fan base that we have to respect and try to make proud of us,” Nuno said.
The relegation battle has become one of the biggest talking points of the Premier League season, with Tottenham’s dramatic decline shocking supporters across England.
