Roberto De Zerbi has delivered a passionate rallying cry to his Tottenham Hotspur squad ahead of a season-defining trip to Villa Park, as the Italian head coach looks to steer his side away from a catastrophic drop to the Championship while addressing mounting concerns over the club’s medical setup.
Spurs Web believes that Sunday’s clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa is one of the biggest games in the club’s modern history.
There is simply a lot at stake this weekend for Spurs, who could find themselves five points behind West Ham United if they lose at Villa Park and risk losing their Premier League status.
However, victory for Tottenham could see them leapfrog their London rivals and finish the gameweek outside the relegation places, but the Hammers must either lose or draw their match.
Roberto De Zerbi demands fight as Tottenham prepare for Aston Villa test
Roberto De Zerbi is well aware that his side remains in the fight for survival, with just two points separating Tottenham from West Ham.
The Hammers take on Brentford this weekend and, according to predictions, West Ham are the favourites to lose against the Bees.
Spurs themselves face a stern task against Aston Villa and will have to be at their best to beat Unai Emery’s men. Villa’s recent loss to Nottingham Forest in the Europa League could well provide an advantage for the travelling side, and the Italian head coach wants his players to capitalise on any fatigue and fight until the final whistle.
Speaking to football.london ahead of the fixture, Roberto De Zerbi refused to accept the idea that the club is already doomed, insisting that he expects his players to give everything on the pitch.
He said: “It’s like we’re all crying and relegated. No, not yet. We have to die on the pitch and it’s two points [above]. It’s not the best moment, it’s a tough moment, but the losers cry. They think negatively. I don’t want people close to me crying and thinking in a different way to me.
“We are good enough to win the games and we are good enough to stay up. Then we will see. It’s the unique way I know, to work hard, give my best.”
Spurs injury crisis leaves De Zerbi searching for solutions
Spurs, however, will have to secure a win without several of their first-team players. Dominic Solanke is out injured, as is Xavi Simons, who ruptured his ACL last time out against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That now leaves Spurs without at least ten first-team players heading to Villa Park. A lot of criticism has been levelled at the medical department, and De Zerbi has now addressed how that situation could be improved moving forward.
Speaking further on future plans, the Italian suggested changes could come in the summer. He added: “In the summer we can do everything. Everything. I have a lot of time to spend talking about football, the transfer window and everything we can improve and we will.”