De Zerbi: I Think We're Moving in the Right Direction

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi believes the Premier League relegation battle will go down to the wire on the final day, following his team's 1-1 draw against visiting Leeds.

Matthis Tel gave the Londoners the lead in the 50th minute. However, the Frenchman quickly went from hero to villain after committing a foul on opposing captain Ethan Ampadu in his own penalty area following a corner. After a lengthy VAR review, a penalty was awarded, which Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted, securing the equalizer. As a result, Tottenham failed to significantly extend their lead over 18th-placed West Ham, holding only a two-point advantage over their London rivals with two rounds remaining in the campaign.

“I think we are moving in the right direction. It will be tough until the last minute against Everton, for sure, but after the Sunderland match (a 0-1 loss on April 12), it was hard to imagine that before the last two games we would be two points ahead of West Ham. The Sunderland game was my first match, and we cannot forget the situation then. We must acknowledge that we have eight points from the last four games. And West Ham also has to face Leeds at home. I think Leeds' players will play with the same intensity as today, with the same spirit and qualities,” the Italian coach stated after the match.

When asked what he would say to Tel, Roberto De Zerbi replied: “A big hug and a big kiss. Nothing more, because he is a young player, he is a great talent and he scored a fantastic goal. He made a mistake due to his lack of experience, because he hasn't played that many games in his career and we have to accept that, but I am proud and happy with the mentality we showed.” Meanwhile, James Maddison made his first appearance in nearly a year, after suffering a serious injury last summer and missing the entire season so far. The Englishman brought late drama to the match when he went down in the visitors' penalty area, but after a quick VAR check, no penalty was given. “His return is great news for us. He is a different player in terms of quality, as well as a person, and I hope he will be key for us,” De Zerbi said.

With two rounds remaining, Tottenham sits in 17th position with 38 points, two ahead of 18th-placed West Ham. Their final matches see them travel to Chelsea and host Everton.