Tottenham's Survival More Important Than Trophies, De Zerbi Believes

Tottenham Hotspur's final match against Everton, where a point would secure their Premier League survival, is more crucial than last year's Europa League final, according to manager Roberto De Zerbi. "Spurs" could have secured their place in the top flight with a draw against Chelsea, but a 1-2 defeat left the last round unresolved, with West Ham still having a chance for survival.

"This Sunday is the final for Tottenham. Not in Bilbao against Manchester United. The most important game is this Sunday. We are now playing for more than a trophy. This is about the club's pride and history. You can win a final and get another trophy, but this is more important. This is a matter of dignity," De Zerbi asserts.

Last year, Tottenham salvaged a terrible season in the league, finishing 17th, by defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final, securing their first cup since 2008. However, instead of serving as a springboard to better things, the team now faces the real danger of first-ever relegation since 1977. Despite a draw against Everton being sufficient, De Zerbi must calm the nerves before the crucial match against Everton. A loss, coupled with a West Ham victory over Leeds, would force Tottenham to prepare for life in the Championship.

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