Roberto De Zerbi has issued a stark warning to Tottenham, insisting they still have work to do to secure their Premier League status ahead of Tuesday’s crucial trip to rivals Chelsea.
Spurs realistically require just one point from their final two fixtures to avoid relegation. This follows 18th-placed West Ham’s loss in their penultimate match at Newcastle on Sunday, leaving them two points adrift of the north London club with an inferior goal difference.
However, De Zerbi was quick to dispel any notion on Monday that Tottenham were relaxed and already planning for the summer.
“We can’t forget one month ago what was the situation. We are not safe yet,” De Zerbi stated amid a flurry of questions about the future. “It is not correct if I answer you now.
“Before answering your question, we have to make a point in the Premier League and especially in the Premier League to make one point, you have to fight and play very well. We have to keep focused on the game and then we can answer and make a big press conference…but now is not the right time.”
De Zerbi’s immediate focus is on his starting goalkeeper for the Stamford Bridge clash. First-choice Guglielmo Vicario has returned to training following hernia surgery at the end of March. Yet, with Antonin Kinsky having produced a string of fine displays since his recall last month, the Spurs boss hinted the young Czech stopper would continue.
“Viciario is available to play. I decide tomorrow,” De Zerbi added. “No, it’s not difficult. It’s easy. Yes, Vicario is number one but we have to consider the physical condition, the momentum, everything, but I have a big relationship with Antonin Kinsky and Vicario as well and there will not be any problem.”
In other team news, Dominic Solanke (hamstring) will miss the Chelsea fixture, where Spurs boast an awful record of just one win in 35 league meetings.
James Maddison, who made his first competitive appearance in 375 days in the 1-1 draw with Leeds last Monday, is primed for another cameo off the bench despite a “small problem”.
De Zerbi confirmed: “At the beginning of this week, he didn’t work for a small problem, but yesterday and today, James is working very well. Now he’s not ready to play 90 minutes. I want to speak with him tomorrow morning and to take the best decision we can.”
De Zerbi acknowledged the challenge of playing at Stamford Bridge. “Stamford Bridge is difficult. Tough stadium because the players of Chelsea in this last 30 to 25 seasons have been fantastic. But tomorrow is a new game.”
There was also praise for injured Tottenham captain Cristian Romero, who has resumed individual training after a knee problem.
De Zerbi lauded him, saying: “Cristian Romero is a big player. He is an amazing guy because he has been a great captain in my time even though he didn’t play.”
However, he refused to discuss Romero’s future beyond this season, reiterating: “It is a good question (about Romero’s future) but it is the wrong timing no? First of all now, the focus is Chelsea.”
