De Zerbi: ‘Tottenham avoiding relegation is more important than the Europa League win’

Tottenham Hotspur boss Roberto De Zerbi has claimed his team’s battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League is more important than silverware.

Spurs slipped to a damaging 2-1 defeat against Chelsea last night and now face a nervy final-day fixture against Everton.

They head into the game two points ahead of West Ham United, who face Leeds United in their remaining match.

De Zerbi cut an emotional figure after the match and refused to be drawn into controversy surrounding a second-half incident involving Marc Cucurella and Micky Van de Ven.

The Chelsea defender escaped with only a booking after appearing to haul Van de Ven down inside the area during a corner, with officials ruling the ball was not in play.

The Italian tactician insisted Tottenham’s survival fight was the only issue that mattered.

“Sunday is the final for Tottenham,” De Zerbi said (via his club’s official website).

“The most important game is Sunday because last season they played for the trophy, now we play for something more important than the trophy.

“The pride, the history of the club, the dignity are more important than the trophy.”

De Zerbi added that his entire focus over the past six weeks has been on ensuring Spurs remain in the top flight.

He insists his players understand the magnitude of the situation despite their poor form.

Tottenham head into the final weekend winless in their last two matches and with pressure mounting around the club.

Midfielder James Maddison, recently back from a long-term knee injury, admitted the club’s position is unacceptable.

For a club that lifted the Europa League only a year ago, the prospect of relegation now hangs heavily over them.