De Zerbi Urges Spurs to ‘Silence Voice Inside of Us’

De Zerbi urges Spurs to silence – As Tottenham Hotspur grappled with their ongoing struggle to avoid the Premier League’s relegation threat, new manager Roberto de Zerbi delivered a powerful message to his players, staff, and fans. The Italian coach, who recently took charge of the North London club, emphasized the importance of overcoming self-doubt and maintaining belief in their capabilities. Despite securing their first victory of the 2026 season against Wolves, a team currently occupying the bottom of the table, Spurs remain locked in the relegation zone, with a crucial four-game stretch ahead of them.

A Battle for Survival

The Spurs’ quest to stay in the top flight has intensified as they face a daunting schedule, beginning with a showdown against fifth-placed Aston Villa. The club’s upcoming fixtures include encounters with Leeds United, Chelsea, and Everton, each of which presents a significant challenge. De Zerbi, who joined the team in March, acknowledged the pressure of the situation but stressed that the squad must focus on their own performance rather than external factors.

“The most important challenge now is to silence the voice inside of us, inside the players, inside the staff and the fans,” said De Zerbi. “This voice produces negative thoughts and says we are unlucky, that we have too many injuries. We lost Xavi Simons, who was one of the most important players for us in the last two matches. Our medical staff is not good enough, the pitch of the stadium is not good, and our training pitch is not good. Winning two or three games in a row is impossible because we hadn’t won a game in 2026. I think it’s all negative things and it’s rubbish.”

De Zerbi’s speech, which lasted over four minutes, highlighted the team’s need to unite and push forward. He criticized the prevailing mindset that has taken hold of the club, urging them to take control of their narrative. “It’s like we’re all crying and relegated,” he added. “No, not yet. We have to die on the pitch. We have to play, we have to fight, and we have two points less than West Ham. They have to play a difficult game like us.”

Injuries and Uncertainty

The Spurs’ lineup has been further strained by a growing list of absentees, including key players such as Xavi Simons, Dominic Solanke, and Guglielmo Vicario. Simons, a vital attacking midfielder, has been sidelined for the remainder of the season after sustaining an ACL injury during a match against Wolves. Solanke, the striker, also suffered a hamstring tear, while Vicario, the goalkeeper, is unavailable for the Villa game. Other long-term absences include Ben Davies, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, and Cristian Romero.

De Zerbi pointed out that injuries have compounded the team’s difficulties, but he remains confident in their ability to adapt. “We go to play against one of the best teams in the Premier League right now,” he said. “But if Tottenham win at Villa Park, it’s not a miracle. Maybe we lose, but we have the quality to win this game. It’s not a miracle. We have to be positive.”

Looking ahead, the coach acknowledged the challenges but stressed the importance of maintaining a strong mindset. “All these things—our injuries, the criticism—we don’t have too much time to hear them,” he added. “We are good enough to win the games and to stay up. Then we will see because it’s the unique way. The way I know is to work hard, give my best, trust in my idea of the players, their confidence, and to be realistic.”

Hope for Maddison’s Return

One glimmer of optimism for the Spurs comes in the form of James Maddison, who has been sidelined for the entire season due to an ACL injury sustained during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle in South Korea. The England playmaker, known for his creativity and vision, was named on the bench during recent matches against Brighton and Wolves, offering a hint that his return may be imminent.

De Zerbi expressed his desire to have Maddison back in the team, highlighting the midfielder’s value. “I would like to play with Maddison because he is a special player,” he said. “But we have to consider his physical condition, a lot of things. However, I think he can be important in the next three games.”

While the injury list continues to grow, the coach believes that the squad’s talent and determination can overcome these setbacks. “We have to be positive,” he reiterated. “Winning two or three games in a row is possible if we trust in our players and their abilities. I don’t want people close to me crying or thinking a different way than me.”

The Road Ahead

With four matches remaining, the stakes for Tottenham have never been higher. The team must rely on their remaining players to deliver consistent performances and push for a better position in the league table. De Zerbi’s focus is on creating a united front, ensuring that the players and staff remain motivated despite the setbacks.

The Spurs’ journey to avoid relegation is a test of resilience, and De Zerbi is determined to lead them through this challenging phase. His message is clear: the club must silence the internal doubts and embrace the fight ahead. “We are not in the worst situation,” he said. “We are in a tough moment, but the losers cry, they think negative. I don’t want people close to me crying or to think a different way than me.”

As the team prepares for their next match against Aston Villa, the pressure is on. The result could be a turning point in their campaign, and De Zerbi is confident that his players have the ability to rise to the occasion. “If we win, it’s not a miracle,” he said. “It’s the result of our hard work, our trust in each other, and our belief in the game. We have to be positive, and we have to play with heart.”

For Spurs fans, the hope is that this renewed determination will translate into success on the pitch. The upcoming fixtures will be a critical test of the team’s character, and De Zerbi’s leadership will be key in steering them toward the goal of staying in the Premier League. As the season enters its final stages, the club must focus on their strengths and unite against the odds.