De Zerbi goes on extraordinary four-minute rant about Spurs’ relegation battle

Football
2 May 2026 • 1:46 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

De Zerbi goes on extraordinary four-minute rant about Spurs’ relegation battle

  • Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi delivered a four-minute monologue to silence negativity surrounding the club ahead of their match against Aston Villa.
  • Despite a recent Premier League win against Wolves, Tottenham is grappling with new injury setbacks, including Xavi Simons being ruled out for an extended period and Dominic Solanke facing a hamstring issue.
  • De Zerbi expressed strong belief that 18th-placed Tottenham can avoid relegation, dismissing concerns about injuries, medical staff, or pitch conditions as 'rubbish'.
  • He asserted that a victory against Aston Villa would not be a 'miracle', emphasising his team's quality and urging players and staff to maintain a positive mindset rather than 'crying' or thinking negatively.
  • Tottenham will face Aston Villa with at least eight players unavailable due to injury, though Destiny Udogie is fit to play.

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