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This heavy investment has assembled one of the world’s most expensive squads. According to Transfermarkt, Tottenham’s players are currently valued at a combined €803m, placing the club ninth among global outfits; only Bayern Munich, at €969m, sits ahead of the Spurs in Europe.

Nevertheless, the club now faces relegation from the Premier League. According to Transfermarkt, the most valuable side ever to drop out of the top flight was Leicester City in 2022/23, though their squad was valued at just £444m—less than half of Tottenham’s current total. The Foxes’ own trajectory has since carried them from a 2016 title win down to the third tier.

With five matchdays left, Spurs are two points adrift of the safety of 17th place, currently held by West Ham United. That deficit feels significant—a considerable distance to make up. Their last Premier League win came on 28 December, a 1–0 victory over Crystal Palace, since when they have gone 15 matches without victory and seen two managerial changes.

Danish boss Thomas Frank was sacked in February; his Croatian successor, Igor Tudor, lasted just 44 days before making way for Italian Roberto De Zerbi. In his second match, a 2–2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, De Zerbi appeared poised to end the drought. However, Austrian defender Kevin Danso’s costly stoppage-time error gifted the Seagulls an equaliser. Danso then endured a racist backlash on social media, prompting the club to issue a statement condemning the abuse.

Should they fail to beat Wolves this Saturday—making it 16 matches without a win—Spurs will match a 91-year-old club record last set in 1935. Next up are already-relegated Wolves, the weakest of the remaining opponents. After that, Spurs face Chelsea, Aston Villa, Leeds United and, on the final matchday, Everton.

“This team can win five games in a row,” insists manager De Zerbi, who is trying to boost morale with an edict to stay upbeat. “They have to come to training with a smile, otherwise they can go straight home,” says De Zerbi. “I have no time for negative people, sad players or assistant coaches. I don’t like people who whinge and think negatively.”

Although Tottenham are not among England’s most decorated clubs, they have long been part of the national elite. The Spurs won the league title in 1951 and 1961; as one of only six founding members of the Premier League, which began in 1992, they have never been relegated; over the past 13 years, they have finished in the top six on ten occasions; in 2017 they were runners-up, reached the Champions League final in 2019, and last May won the Europa League, their fourth European trophy and their first title since 2008.

Despite this success, manager Ange Postecoglou was sacked after a poor domestic campaign saw the club slip as low as 17th, with European glory becoming the sole priority. A fresh transfer splurge preceded a promising start under Frank, and by mid-October the side sat third in the Premier League.

Daniel Levy’s surprise exit in September further energised the support, and he was succeeded by the relatively unknown Peter Charrington and Vinai Venkatesham. As autumn wore on, domestic form slipped, yet the club remained competitive in the Champions League. In January they comfortably beat Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt to finish fourth in their group.

They were then eliminated by Atlético Madrid in the round of 16. The tie is remembered mainly for Tudor’s curious handling of Antonin Kinsky: in the first leg, the then manager surprisingly picked his nominal second-choice goalkeeper to start, but hauled him off after just 17 minutes with the score at 0–3 following glaring errors.

On the one hand, there was an excellent start to the season and impressive results in the Champions League group stage. On the other, there has been a historic slump in the Premier League since the turn of the year. Logically, it is hard to explain how these two performances coexist. However, underlying problems are clear.

Years of frequent managerial changes have left the squad expensive yet piecemeal, lacking clear structure or hierarchy. Long-serving captain Heung-Min Son departed last summer, leaving a vacuum in leadership that has undermined team stability and resilience. In their past 32 league matches when falling behind, Spurs have failed to earn a single win.

Injuries have only deepened the crisis: Daniel Kulusevski and James Maddison, two of the club’s best players, have yet to feature this season, while Lucas Bergvall and Dominic Solanke spent months on the sidelines. Mohammed Kudus has been out since early January, and captain Cristian Romero is likely ruled out for the campaign.

Several new signings failed to live up to expectations, including former Bayern Munich duo Joao Palhinha and Mathys Tel. Palhinha, currently on loan, began brightly with a spectacular bicycle-kick goal, yet Tottenham will not activate his €30 million buy option, meaning he will return to Bayern in the summer. From a financial perspective, the German record champions are therefore suffering alongside the Spurs; on a personal level, Harry Kane is also likely to be deeply affected by his long-standing club’s relegation.

Xavi Simons also failed to live up to his potential overall, though he did manage to score two points in the 2-2 draw against Brighton at the weekend. Sporting director Max Eberl, sporting director Christoph Freund and manager Vincent Kompany were desperate to bring Simons to FC Bayern last summer. Club president Uli Hoeneß refused to release the funds, offering only a figurative slice of apple pie as consolation. Tottenham then pounced, making Simons their record signing for €65 million—another costly investment that has yet to pay off.

This heavy investment has assembled one of the world’s most expensive squads. According to Transfermarkt, Tottenham’s players are currently valued at a combined €803m, placing the club ninth among global outfits; only Bayern Munich, at €969m, sits ahead of the Spurs in Europe.

Nevertheless, the club now faces relegation from the Premier League. According to Transfermarkt, the most valuable side ever to drop out of the top flight was Leicester City in 2022/23, though their squad was valued at just £444m—less than half of Tottenham’s current total. The Foxes’ own trajectory has since carried them from a 2016 title win down to the third tier.

With five matchdays left, Spurs are two points adrift of the safety of 17th place, currently held by West Ham United. That deficit feels significant—a considerable distance to make up. Their last Premier League win came on 28 December, a 1–0 victory over Crystal Palace, since when they have gone 15 matches without victory and seen two managerial changes.

Danish boss Thomas Frank was sacked in February; his Croatian successor, Igor Tudor, lasted just 44 days before making way for Italian Roberto De Zerbi. In his second match, a 2–2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, De Zerbi appeared poised to end the drought. However, Austrian defender Kevin Danso’s costly stoppage-time error gifted the Seagulls an equaliser. Danso then endured a racist backlash on social media, prompting the club to issue a statement condemning the abuse.

Should they fail to beat Wolves this Saturday—making it 16 matches without a win—Spurs will match a 91-year-old club record last set in 1935. Next up are already-relegated Wolves, the weakest of the remaining opponents. After that, Spurs face Chelsea, Aston Villa, Leeds United and, on the final matchday, Everton.

“This team can win five games in a row,” insists manager De Zerbi, who is trying to boost morale with an edict to stay upbeat. “They have to come to training with a smile, otherwise they can go straight home,” says De Zerbi. “I have no time for negative people, sad players or assistant coaches. I don’t like people who whinge and think negatively.”

Although Tottenham are not among England’s most decorated clubs, they have long been part of the national elite. The Spurs won the league title in 1951 and 1961; as one of only six founding members of the Premier League, which began in 1992, they have never been relegated; over the past 13 years, they have finished in the top six on ten occasions; in 2017 they were runners-up, reached the Champions League final in 2019, and last May won the Europa League, their fourth European trophy and their first title since 2008.

Despite this success, manager Ange Postecoglou was sacked after a poor domestic campaign saw the club slip as low as 17th, with European glory becoming the sole priority. A fresh transfer splurge preceded a promising start under Frank, and by mid-October the side sat third in the Premier League.

Daniel Levy’s surprise exit in September further energised the support, and he was succeeded by the relatively unknown Peter Charrington and Vinai Venkatesham. As autumn wore on, domestic form slipped, yet the club remained competitive in the Champions League. In January they comfortably beat Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt to finish fourth in their group.

They were then eliminated by Atlético Madrid in the round of 16. The tie is remembered mainly for Tudor’s curious handling of Antonin Kinsky: in the first leg, the then manager surprisingly picked his nominal second-choice goalkeeper to start, but hauled him off after just 17 minutes with the score at 0–3 following glaring errors.

On the one hand, there was an excellent start to the season and impressive results in the Champions League group stage. On the other, there has been a historic slump in the Premier League since the turn of the year. Logically, it is hard to explain how these two performances coexist. However, underlying problems are clear.

Years of frequent managerial changes have left the squad expensive yet piecemeal, lacking clear structure or hierarchy. Long-serving captain Heung-Min Son departed last summer, leaving a vacuum in leadership that has undermined team stability and resilience. In their past 32 league matches when falling behind, Spurs have failed to earn a single win.

Injuries have only deepened the crisis: Daniel Kulusevski and James Maddison, two of the club’s best players, have yet to feature this season, while Lucas Bergvall and Dominic Solanke spent months on the sidelines. Mohammed Kudus has been out since early January, and captain Cristian Romero is likely ruled out for the campaign.

Several new signings failed to live up to expectations, including former Bayern Munich duo Joao Palhinha and Mathys Tel. Palhinha, currently on loan, began brightly with a spectacular bicycle-kick goal, yet Tottenham will not activate his €30 million buy option, meaning he will return to Bayern in the summer. From a financial perspective, the German record champions are therefore suffering alongside the Spurs; on a personal level, Harry Kane is also likely to be deeply affected by his long-standing club’s relegation.

Xavi Simons also failed to live up to his potential overall, though he did manage to score two points in the 2-2 draw against Brighton at the weekend. Sporting director Max Eberl, sporting director Christoph Freund and manager Vincent Kompany were desperate to bring Simons to FC Bayern last summer. Club president Uli Hoeneß refused to release the funds, offering only a figurative slice of apple pie as consolation. Tottenham then pounced, making Simons their record signing for €65 million—another costly investment that has yet to pay off.

Some 12 months ago, Ange Postecoglou was guiding supposed members of the fabled ‘Big Six’ towards their lowest finish in the Premier League era. Some cracks were papered over there by a Europa League triumph that brought a 17-year wait for major silverware to a close.

Change in the dugout was made regardless last summer, with Thomas Frank inheriting managerial reins. He lasted just eight months, while interim successor Igor Tudor was moved on after only seven games at the helm - with no league victories being savoured during his ill-fated tenure.

Roberto De Zerbi is the latest to answer Spurs’ SOS call, but the former Brighton boss is finding out the hard way - amid mounting injury problems - that the mission at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium may be so impossible that even Tom Cruise would be destined to fail.

A morale-sapping winless run has been extended to 15 games - with 2026 yet to deliver any cause for celebration - and a two-point gap needs to be bridged in order to clamber out of the drop zone and avoid tumbling into the Championship.

How did Spurs allow such a dramatic fall from grace to come about and who is responsible? When those questions were put to M’Poku - who once lined up in the club’s academy system alongside the likes of Harry Kane - the ex-DR Congo international - who is now turning out for Yanited in Baller League UK - told GOAL: “I think everyone has to take his own responsibility. From the outside, we don't even know who to blame.

“I think Daniel Levy did a great job until now and in terms of business, the club is probably the most profitable club and stable club financially. I think in terms of football, Spurs never really had a vision or methodology.

“Because now, what I've seen for the last few years, every manager comes with their idea and then we play their idea, then they're gone, and then another guy comes, another guy goes. I think there's not really been a real strategy and methodology of football like Arsenal, Ajax, Liverpool.”

Domestic and continental rivals have been able to find the kind of stability that Spurs now crave, with there the very real threat that things will get considerably worse - with a mass exodus of top talent on the cards - before they start to get any better.

If relegation were to be endured, then Tottenham - even with parachute payments and deep pockets being factored into the equation - may find it difficult to yo-yo straight out of the second tier.

The Championship is a notoriously competitive division, with everybody capable of anybody on their day, and the 2026-27 campaign is likely to include some big spending from Wrexham - under the guidance of Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds, Rob Mac - and a Birmingham City board that boasts NFL legend Tom Brady within its ranks.

When it was put to M’Poku that Spurs could find themselves stuck in a rut and unable to clamber back into the big time, the 34-year-old - who also spent time in Belgium, Greece, Italy, Abu Dhabi and Turkey during his playing career - added: “I don't think they will get stuck and I don't think they will go down. I hope so.”

Tottenham’s next opportunity to start building momentum and put a dramatic clamber away from danger in motion will come when taking in a trip to rock-bottom Wolves on Saturday - in what has quickly become a must-win encounter.

M’Poku will be among those watching on from afar before readying himself for a return to action at the Copper Box Arena - as Yanited seek to shake a demoralising defeat of their own (8-1 to the Prime FC team managed by KSI) from the system.

Baller League Season Three is available to watch live on www.youtube.com/@BallerLeagueUK

Some 12 months ago, Ange Postecoglou was guiding supposed members of the fabled ‘Big Six’ towards their lowest finish in the Premier League era. Some cracks were papered over there by a Europa League triumph that brought a 17-year wait for major silverware to a close.

Change in the dugout was made regardless last summer, with Thomas Frank inheriting managerial reins. He lasted just eight months, while interim successor Igor Tudor was moved on after only seven games at the helm - with no league victories being savoured during his ill-fated tenure.

Roberto De Zerbi is the latest to answer Spurs’ SOS call, but the former Brighton boss is finding out the hard way - amid mounting injury problems - that the mission at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium may be so impossible that even Tom Cruise would be destined to fail.

A morale-sapping winless run has been extended to 15 games - with 2026 yet to deliver any cause for celebration - and a two-point gap needs to be bridged in order to clamber out of the drop zone and avoid tumbling into the Championship.

How did Spurs allow such a dramatic fall from grace to come about and who is responsible? When those questions were put to M’Poku - who once lined up in the club’s academy system alongside the likes of Harry Kane - the ex-DR Congo international - who is now turning out for Yanited in Baller League UK - told GOAL: “I think everyone has to take his own responsibility. From the outside, we don't even know who to blame.

“I think Daniel Levy did a great job until now and in terms of business, the club is probably the most profitable club and stable club financially. I think in terms of football, Spurs never really had a vision or methodology.

“Because now, what I've seen for the last few years, every manager comes with their idea and then we play their idea, then they're gone, and then another guy comes, another guy goes. I think there's not really been a real strategy and methodology of football like Arsenal, Ajax, Liverpool.”

Domestic and continental rivals have been able to find the kind of stability that Spurs now crave, with there the very real threat that things will get considerably worse - with a mass exodus of top talent on the cards - before they start to get any better.

If relegation were to be endured, then Tottenham - even with parachute payments and deep pockets being factored into the equation - may find it difficult to yo-yo straight out of the second tier.

The Championship is a notoriously competitive division, with everybody capable of anybody on their day, and the 2026-27 campaign is likely to include some big spending from Wrexham - under the guidance of Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds, Rob Mac - and a Birmingham City board that boasts NFL legend Tom Brady within its ranks.

When it was put to M’Poku that Spurs could find themselves stuck in a rut and unable to clamber back into the big time, the 34-year-old - who also spent time in Belgium, Greece, Italy, Abu Dhabi and Turkey during his playing career - added: “I don't think they will get stuck and I don't think they will go down. I hope so.”

Tottenham’s next opportunity to start building momentum and put a dramatic clamber away from danger in motion will come when taking in a trip to rock-bottom Wolves on Saturday - in what has quickly become a must-win encounter.

M’Poku will be among those watching on from afar before readying himself for a return to action at the Copper Box Arena - as Yanited seek to shake a demoralising defeat of their own (8-1 to the Prime FC team managed by KSI) from the system.

Baller League Season Three is available to watch live on www.youtube.com/@BallerLeagueUK

Tottenham have released a scathing statement after Danso was targeted with "dehumanising" racism following Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Brighton. The Austrian defender found himself the victim of a social media onslaught after his late error allowed Georginio Rutter to equalise for the visitors, a result that leaves Spurs stuck in the Premier League relegation zone.

The club statement read: "Since yesterday's fixture against Brighton, which took place during the Premier League's No Room For Racism weekend, Kevin Danso has been, and continues to be, subject to significant and abhorrent racist abuse on social media. We have heard and seen vile, dehumanising racism. Behaviour that is without doubt a criminal offence. It will not be tolerated."

The north London club confirmed they are not taking the matter lightly and have already contacted the Metropolitan Police to track down those responsible. Spurs have also reached out to international authorities and the social media platforms themselves to ensure the perpetrators are identified and punished for their actions.

"The club is taking immediate action. We are reporting all identified content to the Metropolitan Police and to the appropriate authorities in the country where perpetrators reside, as well as to relevant social media platforms. We will push for the strongest possible action against each and every person we identify. Kevin has our complete and unconditional support as a player and as a person. No one at this club will ever stand alone in the face of this," the club continued.

Danso took to his own social media channels to address the situation with poise. The defender admitted the result on the pitch was disappointing but insisted that the hate he received would not break his focus as the club battles against a potential drop to the Championship.

Writing in a post on Instagram, Danso said: "Not the result we needed yesterday. We gave everything, we learn and we move. I've also seen the comments. The racist abuse has no place in this game or anywhere. But it doesn't define me, and it won't distract me from what is important. I know who I am, what I stand for, and why I play. Now it's about staying focused, working harder, and coming back stronger for the next games. We keep pushing, we keep believing, and we give our all every single time we step on that pitch. Stronger. Together. On to the next."

Tottenham reinforced their message by stating that a player's performance or the team's league position is never an excuse for discrimination. They highlighted their previous success in securing criminal convictions for those who abuse their staff or players, warning that fans could face lifetime bans or even prison time.

"Nothing about form or league position can ever excuse or explain racist abuse. There is no connection between performance on the pitch and the right to target a player with discrimination. Criticism of performances is part of the game. Racism is not," the statement concluded. They added that abusers could face "custodial sentences, football banning orders, criminal records, fines, community orders or police-mandated educational programmes."

Spurs’ head coach insists a mindset shift is vital to escape the bottom three after a late 2-2 draw with Brighton left them a point off safety. The pressure is mounting as rivals West Ham and Nottingham Forest could widen the gap to four and five points respectively with wins this weekend. Despite improved performances, these results keep Tottenham firmly in the relegation dogfight."

"I am sorry for the result, for the players because they are suffering too much," De Zerbi told Sky Sports. "Today we deserved to win the game against one great Brighton. A big congratulations for their style, their level of players and everything. We couldn't concede that goal from Rutter. I said to be strong, to follow me again and again because I want to help them. They can change the mentality because that is the most important part. Now it's too easy to think negative, but we have to be focused on this performance and work to find the condition to win again."

Despite a dismal 15-match winless run dating back to December, De Zerbi remains optimistic about survival after his side’s gritty display against Brighton. The Italian praised his players for going toe-to-toe with the European-chasing Seagulls, seeing enough 'fight' to believe they can still avoid the drop.

"I am positive but I am proud of my players. They played a fantastic game with character and spirit," De Zerbi added. "We have to be stronger than this result, we have to move on and prepare the next game and try to win the game at Wolves. If you are strong like today, I think we can compete again. Today, I saw signs, I saw blood, character, qualities, organisation with and without the ball. Everything to reach our target."

Ahead of a daunting trip to Molineux to face Wolves, De Zerbi demanded a strict winning mentality from his squad. The fixture is critical for bottom-placed Wolves, who were spared immediate relegation by Spurs' draw with Brighton but will fall into the Championship for the first time since 2018 if West Ham avoid defeat against Palace. With survival on the line for their opponents, De Zerbi is leaving no room for complacency.

"We have to improve a lot of things. The crucial part is to keep this mentality and I told the players to come on Monday afternoon with the same behaviour they showed today. I don't want to work with sad people, with negative people. They have to believe in myself. If I am here, it's because I am positive to stay in the Premier League next season. I am positive because I know my players, I know their qualities. I know them like people and I believe in them," the manager concluded.

Despite sitting 18th, the electric atmosphere during De Zerbi’s home debut was a standout for the manager. In a back-and-forth thriller, goals from Pedro Porro and Xavi Simons twice put Spurs ahead, but Brighton responded through Kaoru Mitoma and a late Georginio Rutter equalizer. Though the draw denied Spurs a move to 16th, the fans' passionate support mirrored a top-four clash rather than a relegation battle.

"I know we are fighting to stay in the Premier League. A very difficult moment. But we are lucky, every one of us to work in this club with these fans because it was an incredible atmosphere today," De Zerbi remarked. "You would think we are fighting for Champions League, not relegation. Until the end we will fight in every game and give our best. If we are able to give our best, it's not finished yet."

Spurs’ head coach insists a mindset shift is vital to escape the bottom three after a late 2-2 draw with Brighton left them a point off safety. The pressure is mounting as rivals West Ham and Nottingham Forest could widen the gap to four and five points respectively with wins this weekend. Despite improved performances, these results keep Tottenham firmly in the relegation dogfight."

"I am sorry for the result, for the players because they are suffering too much," De Zerbi told Sky Sports. "Today we deserved to win the game against one great Brighton. A big congratulations for their style, their level of players and everything. We couldn't concede that goal from Rutter. I said to be strong, to follow me again and again because I want to help them. They can change the mentality because that is the most important part. Now it's too easy to think negative, but we have to be focused on this performance and work to find the condition to win again."

Despite a dismal 15-match winless run dating back to December, De Zerbi remains optimistic about survival after his side’s gritty display against Brighton. The Italian praised his players for going toe-to-toe with the European-chasing Seagulls, seeing enough 'fight' to believe they can still avoid the drop.

"I am positive but I am proud of my players. They played a fantastic game with character and spirit," De Zerbi added. "We have to be stronger than this result, we have to move on and prepare the next game and try to win the game at Wolves. If you are strong like today, I think we can compete again. Today, I saw signs, I saw blood, character, qualities, organisation with and without the ball. Everything to reach our target."

Ahead of a daunting trip to Molineux to face Wolves, De Zerbi demanded a strict winning mentality from his squad. The fixture is critical for bottom-placed Wolves, who were spared immediate relegation by Spurs' draw with Brighton but will fall into the Championship for the first time since 2018 if West Ham avoid defeat against Palace. With survival on the line for their opponents, De Zerbi is leaving no room for complacency.

"We have to improve a lot of things. The crucial part is to keep this mentality and I told the players to come on Monday afternoon with the same behaviour they showed today. I don't want to work with sad people, with negative people. They have to believe in myself. If I am here, it's because I am positive to stay in the Premier League next season. I am positive because I know my players, I know their qualities. I know them like people and I believe in them," the manager concluded.

Despite sitting 18th, the electric atmosphere during De Zerbi’s home debut was a standout for the manager. In a back-and-forth thriller, goals from Pedro Porro and Xavi Simons twice put Spurs ahead, but Brighton responded through Kaoru Mitoma and a late Georginio Rutter equalizer. Though the draw denied Spurs a move to 16th, the fans' passionate support mirrored a top-four clash rather than a relegation battle.

"I know we are fighting to stay in the Premier League. A very difficult moment. But we are lucky, every one of us to work in this club with these fans because it was an incredible atmosphere today," De Zerbi remarked. "You would think we are fighting for Champions League, not relegation. Until the end we will fight in every game and give our best. If we are able to give our best, it's not finished yet."

Despite the recent appointment of Roberto De Zerbi to steady the ship, a debut defeat against Sunderland has left the side languishing in the bottom three with only six games remaining in the Premier League season. As the threat of the Championship looms, speculation regarding the futures of their top talent is beginning to intensify. It is expected that a mass exodus would occur should Spurs fail to secure their top-flight status, with several first-team stars likely to be the subject of cut-price offers from domestic and European rivals.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former England captain was asked which members of the current Spurs squad he would like to see move to Old Trafford. Initially hesitant due to the club's current form, he eventually singled out two specific names for the Man Utd hierarchy to consider. Ferdinand stated: "None right now, no. Can’t think of any that I’d take, especially the way they’re playing now. [Micky] Van de Ven, maybe. Van de Ven and Djed Spence, actually. Djed Spence."

Ferdinand is not the only former United star suggesting a move for the Netherlands international defender. Louis Saha has also thrown his weight behind a potential deal for the pacy centre-back, believing he represents the level of quality required to turn United into genuine contenders again. Saha explained his reasoning for the transfer, saying: "We have players in attacking areas and on the wings, defensively we have a lot of options, but Micky van de Ven would be an exciting addition if he is available. He is the calibre of player that can help United to the next level."

Whether United act on these recommendations remains to be seen, but the outcome of Tottenham's relegation battle will undoubtedly dictate the pace of the upcoming transfer window. For now, Spurs must find a way to navigate their remaining fixtures or risk losing their biggest assets to their traditional 'Big Six' rivals.

Tottenham head coach De Zerbi has admitted that his side is currently overwhelmed by internal issues as they battle to stay in the Premier League. Languishing in the bottom three, Spurs remain the only top-flight team without a win in 2026, a run that has left them two points adrift of safety with just six games remaining.

While relegation rivals West Ham face a tough challenge against Crystal Palace, who are riding high after qualifying for the Europa Conference League semi-finals after defeating Fiorentina, De Zerbi insisted his squad must look no further than themselves. The Italian coach is desperate to end a 2026 winless league run that has seen the North London club drop to 18th place and slip behind the Hammers.

Addressing the contrast between Spurs' struggles, De Zerbi remained steadfast in his inward-looking approach. The manager was quick to shut down questions regarding other teams’ social plans, with Palace players having celebrated with fans after their historic aggregate triumph over Fiorentina, or momentum shifts in the relegation zone.

"Listen, I am not used to thinking about too many other problems," De Zerbi admitted, as quoted by Football London. "We are full of problems but we are able to win tomorrow, for sure. The focus is on the win tomorrow and then we go to see the Crystal Palace games and all other results. We can’t lose time thinking about other teams if we are not able to win a game since 2025."

Beyond the team's structural issues, De Zerbi has singled out Xavi Simons for individual improvement. The Dutchman, who arrived in North London with high expectations last summer, has struggled for consistency during a difficult debut campaign in the Premier League.

De Zerbi outlined a simplified set of instructions for the 22-year-old as he looks to reintegrate him into the starting line-up. The manager said: "He has to score, he has to make assists and to run without the ball. Stop. It’s enough!"

De Zerbi is now under pressure as they must win this weekend when they face his former club, Brighton. Following a listless 1-0 defeat to Sunderland in his debut match, the Italian must find a way to navigate a squad currently plagued by injuries to key personnel like Cristian Romero.

With West Ham finding form under the pressure, the margin for error has vanished. Spurs face a season-defining run that includes Aston Villa, Leeds United and Chelsea; failures in these fixtures would all but confirm their first relegation from the top flight since 1978.

Alderweireld told ESPN of his true thoughts on the crisis engulfing north London. With Tottenham sitting dangerously in 18th place on 30 points, two points behind 17th-placed West Ham, the Belgian did not hold back.

He questioned the squad's calibre. "I think you also need to start looking at pure quality. What do big players do? What do quality players do? That is to be decisive at important moments, achieve your level ... And that has not been happening all season. Players who were acquired for a lot of money but who nevertheless don't deliver and not in just one or two matches or a period, but throughout the whole season. You just have to conclude that they are not good enough in terms of quality."

Spurs have desperately cycled through managers to halt their slide, with Roberto De Zerbi recently arriving as the third boss of the campaign after Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor. However, the former centre-back believes the dressing room must face the music rather than hiding behind the dugout.

"Now you notice that the coach isn't the problem, it's really purely the squad," Alderweireld said. "The quality in the squad, the responsibilities of the players. You could always put another coach in charge, but you notice that they just don't deliver what they need to deliver. And that is ultimately just quality."

The former Belgium international was particularly stunned by the underperforming defensive partnership of Romero and Van de Ven. As a key figure in the club's past Champions League runs, he knows what it takes to succeed.

"I look at Romero, I look at Van de Ven... They just aren't reaching their level," he said. "Again, not for a period, but actually for an entire season. Then I also look at Romero who gets red cards too often, doesn't make the right decisions and therefore lets his team down."