Tottenham Hotspur’s home game with Everton on Sunday dwarfs the importance of last season’s Europa League final, manager Roberto de Zerbi said on Tuesday after the defeat at Chelsea left his side in danger of relegation from the Premier League.
One point against Chelsea would have all but secured Tottenham’s survival and eased the pressure for the visit of Everton, but a 1-2 defeat means IT could still be overtaken by 18th-placed West Ham United on the final day.
«Sunday is the final for Tottenham. Not Bilbao against Manchester United (last season in the Europa League). The most important match is Sunday,» said Italian De Zerbi. “Now we are playing for something more than a trophy.
«This is for the pride of the club and the history. A trophy you can win and get another trophy, but this is more important. This is about dignity.»
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Almost a year ago, Spurs salvaged another dreadful league season, finishing 17th, but still beating United 1-0 in the Europa League final – the club’s first success since 2008.
Instead of being a springboard to better things, Tottenham are now in serious danger of their first relegation since 1977, although a draw against Everton would be enough.
“I would like it if on Sunday (against Everton) we play the same way we played the last 20 minutes (today) because in the last 20 minutes we showed more energy, more passion and something more in us,” he said.
«Each of them is focused on the goal. They work hard all week and we all want to achieve the goal.»
«I think we’ll play a final on Sunday, an important match, but in our stadium… so we have to stay alive. But it’s a big day for us.»
Published on May 20, 2026
