Survival More Important Than Trophy, Says De Zerbi

Tottenham's home match against Everton on Sunday, where they need at least a point to secure their Premier League status, overshadows even last year's Europa League final, according to manager Roberto De Zerbi. The Spurs could have guaranteed their top-flight survival with a draw against Chelsea, but a 2-1 loss pushed the decisive moment to the final matchday, with 18th-placed West Ham still having a chance to escape relegation.

"Sunday is Tottenham's final. Not in Bilbao against Manchester United (in the Europa League last season). The most important game is on Sunday. Now we are playing for something more than a trophy. This is for the pride and history of the club. You can win a final and get another trophy, but this is more important. This is a matter of dignity," the Italian asserted.

Almost a year ago, Tottenham salvaged another dreadful league season, finishing 17th, by beating United 1-0 in the Europa League final – the club's first trophy since 2008. However, instead of being a springboard to better things, the team now faces a serious threat of their first relegation since 1977, despite the fact that a draw against Everton would be enough. De Zerbi must now calm his nerves before the crucial clash with Everton, a match Tottenham, who have only managed two home wins all season, simply cannot afford to lose. If they do, and West Ham defeat Leeds, the Spurs will have to start planning for life in the Championship.

De Zerbi, however, remains positive. "I would like us to play on Sunday like the last 20 minutes today, because in those minutes we showed more energy, more passion, something more within us. Every single player is focused on the goal. They work hard during the week and every one of us wants to achieve the goal. I think we are playing a final on Sunday, an important match, but in our stadium, so we have to survive. But it's a big day for us," he concluded.