Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear where Tottenham Hotspur must improve as they head into a defining stretch of the season, with key individuals now under the spotlight.
Tottenham Hotspur’s fight to stay in the Premier League could go down to the wire, but that depends on how many points Spurs pick up in their final games of the season.
We do believe that if Tottenham manage 10 points in their final six games, they could well secure their Premier League spot. That, of course, is only if their relegation rivals pick up fewer points.
Next up is a home clash against Brighton and Hove Albion in front of their home support. If Spurs can manage a victory, that will certainly spark a resurgence in a side that has struggled at home for most of the season.
Tottenham have yet to win in 2026 across 14 games, while all season they have managed just two wins at home, a poor run that explains why the club finds itself in the bottom three.
Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi demands more from Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons
New boss Roberto De Zerbi has now outlined what he wants to see from his squad as the pressure continues to mount, with his focus centred less on tactical tweaks and more on mentality and application across the group.
Speaking ahead of the Brighton clash, De Zerbi explained that the issue in his squad is not about technical ability but mindset, stressing that improvements must come from within rather than through drastic on-pitch changes.
He said,(Daily Mail) “They do not need to improve as players now. To achieve our target, we do not need to become better with the ball, or better without the ball.
“We have to be stronger in our heads, to have character and stronger relationships between the players.
“We have to believe in ourselves, believe in our club, be happy to wear this shirt, be happy and proud to work in this big club. Just that is enough.”
Spurs boss highlights mentality and leadership concerns
De Zerbi went further in stressing the emotional side of the game, underlining the importance of passion and personality, while also singling out individuals he believes must rise to the occasion in this critical period.
He added: “We have to show there is blood not water inside. I cannot change who I am, and I would like to see more passion from my players.
“I would like to push with Dominic Solanke, because he is one of the best strikers in the Premier League. I want him stronger as a personality and character on the pitch.
“Xavi Simons is very young but is a leader with the ball, because he has personality and the right character to receive the ball when the ball is hot.”
De Zerbi also pointed towards the wider group, stating: “James Maddison is a top player with the ball but also with personality, character, mentality on the pitch. I would like to reach this level for Micky van de Ven for example.
“It is not so easy to play with us in this moment but we need players with personality and character. Otherwise, they do not play with me.”
Speaking about the squad meal he organised, he added: “We ate very well, the food was amazing and if we win, I am ready to pay every week for one dinner.
“Now is a tough situation. They have not so much confidence and are not able to show all their qualities.
“What I can ask is for them to be closer on the pitch, to consider team-mates like brothers because if you consider your team-mate like a brother you go to help him and if he is wronged you hug him and kiss him. We need this, for sure.”