Roberto De Zerbi rubbishes idea of West Ham fixture advantage over Tottenham

Add as preferred source on Google

Roberto De Zerbi shared his thoughts on the fact that West Ham play before Tottenham this weekend and have the opportunity to go five points clear of his side.

We are at that stage of the relegation race where the opponent’s results are just as important as one’s own, with every point from here set to have a massive effect on the standings.

Tottenham learned that first hand last weekend, as although they secured a morale-boosting win over Wolves, which was their first of the calender year in the league, the result was marred by the fact that the Hammers scored a late winner against Everton.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men now have the opportunity to hand Spurs a body blow by moving five points clear with a win over Brentford before the North Londoners take to the field at Villa Park tomorrow.

Roberto De Zerbi wants Tottenham players to be focused only on their results

However, despite the huge significance of West Ham’s results for Tottenham’s survival chances at this stage of the season, De Zerbi want his players to be focused only on winning their matches.

The Italian insisted that his side cannot afford to think too much about the results of their relegation rivals.

When asked if it is an advantage for West Ham to play before Tottenham, De Zerbi told Football.London: “We think about Villa, and then we go to speak about the other three games. I don’t know, if we win, yes, not now, we can’t think if we play before or after. It can be negative or it can be positive to give some more energy.

“With my eyes, I can reach the head of the players. Nothing different. I can’t change my face or myself depending on who is in front of me. Clear, honest and what I feel I say.”

De Zerbi believes Spurs can win all their remaining matches

Following his side’s 2-2 draw against Brighton two weeks ago, De Zerbi boldly asserted that Spurs can win their final five league games in a row.

The Italian still believes that such a run is possible, despite the negativity surrounding Tottenham’s survival chances in the media.

When asked if he believes Spurs can win all of their remaining matches, De Zerbi told the reporter: “Yes, it’s possible because we have good players. You are not convinced?”

When the journalist responded saying that he had seen plenty of Tottenham this season, the Italian shot back: “And so we stay like this, ‘urrrrgh,’ no? What do we have to do? Explain to me, help me. You have friends in my dressing room? I hope not!”

• READ MORE: Antonin Kinsky breaks silence with determined message in first interview since Tottenham howler