De Zerbi Challenges Negativity as Tottenham Battle Relegation Threat

Roberto De Zerbi has issued a defiant message to critics and relegation rivals, insisting Tottenham Hotspur remain firmly in the fight to avoid the drop despite mounting injury concerns.

Spurs ended a 16-match winless run in the Premier League with victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday. However, that positive result was quickly overshadowed by further injury setbacks, with Xavi Simons ruled out for most of 2026 with a knee problem, while Dominic Solanke is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s crucial away fixture against Aston Villa, De Zerbi delivered a passionate and extended response addressing what he described as a negative narrative surrounding the club. Tottenham currently sit 18th in the table but remain within touching distance of safety.

“I have watched and listened this week,” De Zerbi said. “I want to make one thing clear — our biggest challenge now is to silence the negative voice within ourselves: the players, the staff and even the supporters.

“That voice says we are unlucky, that we have too many injuries, that we have lost important players like Xavi Simons, that something is wrong with our preparation or conditions, and that it is impossible to win consecutive matches.

“I believe all of that is negativity, and it is not helpful.”

Tottenham now face a difficult test against an in-form Aston Villa side managed by Unai Emery. Despite acknowledging the strength of their opponents, De Zerbi was adamant his side have the quality to secure a result.

“We are facing one of the best teams in the Premier League at this moment, and we have great respect for their manager,” he added. “But if Tottenham win at Villa Park, it will not be a miracle.

“Perhaps we lose — that is football — but we have the quality to win. We must remain positive and remember we are working at a big club.”

The Italian also rejected suggestions that relegation is inevitable, calling for resilience and determination within the squad.

“I have heard people say it is impossible, that everyone is already giving up. That is not the case,” he said. “We must fight for every match. Before losing, we must play, we must compete.

“We are only two points behind West Ham United, and they also have difficult fixtures ahead. It is not the best moment for us, but difficult periods define teams.

“Those who give up think negatively. I do not want that mentality around me. We are good enough to win matches, and we are good enough to stay in this league.”

Tottenham are expected to be without at least eight players for the trip to Villa Park, including goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who remains sidelined. However, Destiny Udogie is available for selection.

De Zerbi also provided an update on Solanke’s recovery, admitting uncertainty over whether the striker will feature again this season.

“I do not know yet,” he said.