Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has refused to apply additional pressure to his squad as the threat of relegation looms but stressed the importance of a win at Wolves on Saturday.
Tottenham will enter another round of Premier League games, rooted in the relegation zone, two points adrift from 17th-place West Ham, while they are now eight points behind 16th-placed Nottingham Forest after their 5-0 hammering of Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Friday night.
While De Zerbi’s side picked up their first point under the Italian in a home draw against Brighton, which they led on two occasions, Spurs are still waiting for their first league win of 2026. With five games remaining to play, De Zerbi says he hopes his team don’t forget the situation they are in.
“I don’t want to put pressure but we have to know the situation,” De Zerbi said. “We can’t forget the table; we can’t forget we need to win.
“What we have done until now is not enough. If we win at Wolves, it’s not finished.”
“There will be four games. We deserve to win games. I knew Brighton was one of the best teams in the league. After Chelsea, everyone understood. We played a good game but we were unlucky.
“It’s not an easy game,” he said about his side’s trip to already-relegated Wolves.
“The last three at home, they drew with Arsenal, and won against Aston Villa and Liverpool.
“It’s a tough game because they have nothing to lose. We have to be able to play, not too much pressure.
“My work is to prepare the game in my best way, but to play football. These players are very good players. They have important qualities, and they play without too many problems in their head.”
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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Tottenham’s match against Brighton in the Premier League
Maddison to travel to Wolves but not ready to start
James Maddison will travel to Wolves with his team-mates but is still not ready to play matches, confirmed De Zerbi.
The England midfielder made a long-awaited return to the Spurs squad when he was named on the bench ahead of Tottenham’s draw with Brighton.
Maddison hasn’t featured for Spurs since pre-season, where he picked up an ACL injury. The 29-year-old also hasn’t made a Premier League appearance for a year.
James Maddison made a long-awaited return to the Spurs squad ahead of Tottenham’s draw against Brighton
Asked about Maddison, De Zerbi said:
“Maddison is not available yet. He felt pain. Especially this week, he felt pain, but it’s not a serious problem. Tomorrow, he’s coming with us to the match, because he’s important.
“If he plays or not, it doesn’t matter. Better if he plays, for sure, but also as a guy, as a leader, as a positive guy inside my dressing room.
“I want to see nice people and positive people, and is also important for his team-mates.”
Spurs will be without Destiny Udogie, Pape Sarr and Guglielmo Vicario, who have added to a lengthy injury list, including captain Cristian Romero, Mohamed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski, among others.
“Destiny has a problem,” De Zerbi said.
“I think he can’t play tomorrow. He played a great first half and second half [vs Brighton]. But the first one was great.
“We have [Djed] Spence and Souza is available to come with us. I hope Udogie will be available for Villa Park.
“Not so important injury. It can happen. Udoigie is a crucial player for us.”
De Zerbi added that Sarr will also not travel to Wolves but while Vicario also isn’t available, he will return to the group from next Monday.
“Sarr felt pain in his shoulder,” De Zerbi said, explaining Sarr’s absence.
“This week, he didn’t work with the group. He’s not available. Vicario is not available. I hope he can start with me on Monday.
“Antonin [Kinsky] is playing really well. I hope Vicario can come back in the best physical condition. He’s another important player for us.”
Spurs to wear t-shirts in solidarity with Danso
Tottenham have confirmed they will wear t-shirts that say “Spurs against Racism” ahead of their crunch game at Wolves.
Spurs have made the announcement, taking a stance after Kevin Danso suffered from online racist abuse during their draw against Brighton last weekend.
The club say: “We want to make it clear to the world that if anyone thinks it’s okay to racially abuse our players, we will take the strongest possible action.”
In a statement, the club went on to outline the impact of their work against racism and online abuse. In Danso’s case specifically, Spurs say they have reported all the content to the Metropolitan Police and appropriate authorities. This has led to the removal and banning of accounts.
Speaking about Danso in his press conference, De Zerbi said: “I was very annoyed about the abuse aimed at Kevin. He played a fantastic game. I don’t consider one mistake so important. I consider the behaviour on the pitch.
“He will be here next season because he’s a good guy. We are lucky to work with him.”
Watch free highlights from Wolves vs Tottenham on the Sky Sports App from 5.15pm on Saturday
