Roberto De Zerbi’s single-minded approach could see Tottenham jump up to 16th, if all goes to plan

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Roberto De Zerbi has highlighted the importance of Tottenham Hotspur beating Brighton and it is about more than just the three points.

The Premier League table looks frightening to those of a Tottenham Hotspur persuasion, with relegation proving to be a real possibility.

Spurs may have looked bad under Thomas Frank, but they are only one point better off since the Dane received his marching orders.

This weekend, winning is an absolute necessity to prevent Spurs from falling even further from the Premier League survival spots.

However, Roberto De Zerbi believes there is another reason for his team needing to break their pattern of consecutive draws and defeats.

Tottenham need to remember what it feels like to win, says Roberto De Zerbi

It has only been just over a month since Spurs won a match, but a second leg win in an overall Champions League defeat can only do so much to build confidence.

De Zerbi actually thinks Tottenham have forgotten how it feels to come out on top, which is why beating Brighton would mean so much.

Asked in his pre-match press conference if the Lilywhites need to get the ball rolling, he replied: “In my words, what I said last week was the focus is to win one game. I don’t know if tomorrow we are able to win, I hope. I think we have the quality enough to win a game, but anyway we have to be stronger because the qualities of the players are bigger than all the difficulties we are spending in this moment.”

He added: “Yes, I think it’s crucial to win a game, not just for the table. One part for the table, for sure, but because we have to feel again what is nice to win a game and what they can do. Because I have no doubt about the qualities of the players.

“When I watch the list of the squad, Bentancur, Bissouma, Palhinha, Xavi Simons, Kolo Muani, Richarlison, Van de Ven, I’m a lucky for that.

“Now it’s a tough moment, but to achieve the great target you have to pass through the difficulties. You have to go through the difficulties, you have to get over the difficulties. There are maybe too many difficulties.”

Finally, De Zerbi said: “I have to get to know the players better and better every week. It is much better. We have no time to lose. We have no time to understand the problems we have this season.

“We have to be focused just on the next game and to transfer confidence. I can bring myself, I can bring my philosophy of football but also I’m working to create the good atmosphere, a good relationship with the players.

“I think in this moment of football, especially for Tottenham in this season, the qualities of the players are important but the spirit and the relationship between the players, the love the players put for the club is more important for sure.”

If Tottenham manage to pull off De Zerbi’s ‘just win the next game’ approach, and their rivals drop points, Spurs could end up two places clear of the relegation zone by Monday evening.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
16	Nottingham ForestNottingham Forest	32	8	9	15	32	44	-12	33
17	West HamWest Ham	32	8	8	16	40	57	-17	32
18	TottenhamTottenham	32	7	9	16	40	51	-11	30
19	BurnleyBurnley	32	4	8	20	33	63	-30	20
20	WolvesWolves	32	3	8	21	24	58	-34	17

Spurs could struggle against Brighton

If Tottenham were going to finally get a win in the Premier League, it would have been far more convenient to show up and play well against Nottingham Forest.

After all, Brighton are actually a very good team and have won five of their past six matches in the top flight.

Three of these were away fixtures, with the Seagulls overcoming Brentford, Sunderland and Burnley without conceding a single goal.

Therefore, a win for Tottenham will be viewed as unlikely. However, fine margins separated them from Sunderland, and the hosts will be hoping for the same on Saturday, only weighted in their own favour this time around.

READ MORE – Roberto De Zerbi explains why he has not yet picked a new Tottenham captain to replace Cristian Romero