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Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear where Tottenham Hotspur must improve as they head into a defining stretch of the season, with key individuals now under the spotlight.

Tottenham Hotspur’s fight to stay in the Premier League could go down to the wire, but that depends on how many points Spurs pick up in their final games of the season.

We do believe that if Tottenham manage 10 points in their final six games, they could well secure their Premier League spot. That, of course, is only if their relegation rivals pick up fewer points.

Next up is a home clash against Brighton and Hove Albion in front of their home support. If Spurs can manage a victory, that will certainly spark a resurgence in a side that has struggled at home for most of the season.

Tottenham have yet to win in 2026 across 14 games, while all season they have managed just two wins at home, a poor run that explains why the club finds itself in the bottom three.

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi demands more from Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons

New boss Roberto De Zerbi has now outlined what he wants to see from his squad as the pressure continues to mount, with his focus centred less on tactical tweaks and more on mentality and application across the group.

Speaking ahead of the Brighton clash, De Zerbi explained that the issue in his squad is not about technical ability but mindset, stressing that improvements must come from within rather than through drastic on-pitch changes.

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He said,(Daily Mail) “They do not need to improve as players now. To achieve our target, we do not need to become better with the ball, or better without the ball.

“We have to be stronger in our heads, to have character and stronger relationships between the players.

“We have to believe in ourselves, believe in our club, be happy to wear this shirt, be happy and proud to work in this big club. Just that is enough.”

Spurs boss highlights mentality and leadership concerns

De Zerbi went further in stressing the emotional side of the game, underlining the importance of passion and personality, while also singling out individuals he believes must rise to the occasion in this critical period.

He added: “We have to show there is blood not water inside. I cannot change who I am, and I would like to see more passion from my players.

“I would like to push with Dominic Solanke, because he is one of the best strikers in the Premier League. I want him stronger as a personality and character on the pitch.

“Xavi Simons is very young but is a leader with the ball, because he has personality and the right character to receive the ball when the ball is hot.”

De Zerbi also pointed towards the wider group, stating: “James Maddison is a top player with the ball but also with personality, character, mentality on the pitch. I would like to reach this level for Micky van de Ven for example.

“It is not so easy to play with us in this moment but we need players with personality and character. Otherwise, they do not play with me.”

Speaking about the squad meal he organised, he added: “We ate very well, the food was amazing and if we win, I am ready to pay every week for one dinner.

“Now is a tough situation. They have not so much confidence and are not able to show all their qualities.

“What I can ask is for them to be closer on the pitch, to consider team-mates like brothers because if you consider your team-mate like a brother you go to help him and if he is wronged you hug him and kiss him. We need this, for sure.”

Roberto De Zerbi has responded after Tottenham Hotspur supporters made fresh plans to back the team ahead of their crucial clash, with the build-up to the weekend taking an unexpected turn.

There is no denying that the Tottenham Hotspur fans have been pulling their weight in their club’s fight to beat the drop this season.

Ahead of the game against Nottingham Forest, we saw supporters of the Lilywhites turn out in numbers to create a raucous atmosphere at the pre-match coach meet, with that energy carrying right into the game.

However, their support fell on deaf ears as Spurs failed to get the desired result, instead losing 3-0 in their last home match.

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi reacts to Spurs fans coach meet plans

Spurs are back at home this weekend as they take on Brighton and Hove Albion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where victory is once again crucial as they aim to climb out of the relegation places before West Ham plays on Monday.

A similar pre-match coach meet was arranged by fans ahead of the game, but their plans were scuppered due to Roberto De Zerbi’s pre-match preparations.

Speaking to Football.London, De Zerbi has now addressed the situation, admitting he was unaware of the supporters’ plans while also stressing his openness to accommodating them in future.

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He said, “I didn’t know the fans wanted to make this part again. I am very sensitive with the fans and what they want to do, I consider the fans in every team, like they are a player. I didn’t know [their plans] but for the next time, if the people ask me to change the plan, no problem for me.”

Spurs must balance fan support with matchday preparations

The Tottenham boss was also asked to explain how his side will approach their final pre-match preparations this weekend.

Speaking further on the structure of the day and how it compares to his previous methods, he outlined a familiar routine while acknowledging the role supporters can still play.

He added: “Like Brighton, I organise the day of the game like we did in Brighton. [We arrive] four hours before the game, we do a 40 or 45-minute meeting, then we have lunch and prepare for the game, nothing more.

“I don’t want to put pressure on the players with my plan but what the fans want to do is good for us, it’s something more.”

Roberto De Zerbi has now mentioned three things he wants Xavi Simons to stop doing as the Dutchman struggles in a Tottenham shirt.

It is still early days for Tottenham Hotspur under new boss Roberto De Zerbi, who has barely been at the club for a month.

However, we have still been able to understand a few things about the new boss, who is currently not overly keen on instilling his principles from the off.

De Zerbi’s focus, though, has been on boosting the confidence of his players as they fight to beat the drop to the Championship this season.

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi sends clear message to Xavi Simons

Many players in this Tottenham squad need their confidence boosted, including Xavi Simons, who is yet to hit form in north London.

So far this season, the Dutchman has managed just one goal and four assists in the league, although he has put in a couple of solid displays in the Champions League, including in the clash against Atletico Madrid, where he grabbed a brace.

But Simons was not included in De Zerbi’s starting XI last time out against Sunderland, instead being limited to a brief cameo off the bench.

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De Zerbi has now opened up on what he expects from the midfielder, delivering a blunt assessment when asked what Simons needs to do to earn more minutes.

He told football.london: “He has to score, he has to make assists and to run without the ball. Stop. It’s enough!”

Spurs role for Simons remains uncertain ahead of Brighton

De Zerbi also hinted at how many minutes Simons is likely to get when Tottenham face Brighton this weekend.

Spurs are in desperate need of a victory, as a win against the Seagulls could see them leapfrog West Ham United and move out of the relegation places, at least until the Hammers play on Monday.

De Zerbi is expected to name his strongest XI for the clash, and Simons looks set to start on the bench, with the Tottenham boss saying: “I do not want to change nothing with my players, especially in this part. Character, personality.

“And I think he can be important for us in this moment, I do not know if for 30 minutes or 20 minutes, but I have this opinion about him.”

Roberto De Zerbi has laid down a clear marker over what will define his future at Tottenham Hotspur, with events off the pitch set to shape what comes next.

If Tottenham Hotspur are going to secure their Premier League status next season, they need to start getting wins on the board, with six games left to go this campaign.

But it is hard to see where those victories will come from, given Spurs’ struggles this year, where they have yet to taste victory in the 14 games played in 2026.

This weekend does, however, present the Lilywhites with a fine opportunity to secure a win as they face Brighton and Hove Albion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for what is Roberto De Zerbi‘s first home game.

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi addresses future amid relegation fears

The Seagulls are in fine form coming into this encounter, having won their last three consecutive matches, and will pose a significant threat to the Lilywhites.

But Tottenham cannot afford to drop any more points, as victory over Brighton would see Spurs leapfrog West Ham and climb to 16th.

However, they could end the gameweek five points adrift of safety should they lose and the Hammers win. The feeling is that a defeat for Spurs could all but end their fight for survival, with relegation becoming increasingly likely.

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Speaking to Sky Sports, Roberto De Zerbi has now addressed what could influence his future at the club, stressing that alignment with the board is key rather than the division Tottenham find themselves in.

De Zerbi had previously stated that he would manage Spurs even in the Championship, and he has now reiterated that stance – this time with a caveat.

He said, “The problem is not the league. The problem is to keep the relationship with the board and to have the same ideas in the project.” He then clarified further, adding: “Yes. Everyone on the same page.”

Spurs must respond as pressure builds in final weeks

The next six games are crucial for Tottenham as they battle to stay up this season. De Zerbi himself has been pulling every trick he knows to galvanise his players ahead of what is a daunting challenge.

The new Spurs manager took his Tottenham players out for a meal ahead of their clash with Brighton in a bid to build unity within the squad. But he remains adamant that his focus remains on getting to know the players, rather than trying to work out why things have gone so wrong.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Friday, he outlined his focus on relationships, mentality and urgency within the squad, explaining: “I have to get to know my players better and better every week. We have no time to lose. We have no time to understand the problems we have this season. We have to be focused just on the next game. Transfer confidence.

“I can bring my philosophy of football. But also working to create a good atmosphere, a good relationship with the players. In this moment of football, the qualities of the players are important. But the spirit, the relationship between the players is too.

“We have to feel everyone’s responsibility in this situation. And we cannot cry. We have to push to get out of this situation.

“We need players with personality and character. Otherwise they do not play with me.”

Roberto De Zerbi has now opened up on his Tottenham squad bonding dinner, revealing just why he planned such a meal as his side struggles for confidence.

The focus at the moment at Tottenham Hotspur is to get out of their poor run of form, which has seen them slump into the relegation places.

Spurs remain without a win in 2026 despite having used three managers this calendar year, with the latest in the dugout, Roberto De Zerbi.

The former Brighton manager got off to a losing start in his first game as Spurs boss when his side fell to a disappointing 1-0 loss against Sunderland last Sunday.

With performances on the pitch still not improving, De Zerbi has had to get creative with his approach. In a bid to boost confidence and morale within his side, the Tottenham boss took his team out for an expensive dinner.

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi explains team dinner decision

Speaking to Football.London, the new Spurs manager, has now revealed why he took his players out for a meal.

He stated that although he remains unsure whether the dinner will translate into a win on the pitch, he admitted he would be willing to repeat the gesture if results improve.

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He said: “Yes I do not know if we win the game for dinner but I know we ate very well and the food was amazing. And if we win, I am ready to pay every week one dinner.”

Of course, this is not the first time this group of players has gone out for dinner together. In fact, during Igor Tudor’s time, a similar arrangement was made, but it did not lead to any improvement in results on the pitch.

Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi outlines importance of team spirit

When asked whether the dinner was beneficial, De Zerbi expanded on his belief in building strong relationships within the squad, stressing the importance of unity and mentality before tactics, as he told Football.London:

“I believe in the people. I believe in the human relationship. I believe in the spirit. I believe in the soul of the players. Before we speak about tactical dispositions, style of play, defensive phase, with the ball, without the ball, set-pieces. All of these things are important but first of all I work with people with their problems.

“There are a lot of players and we have to build and find in these last weeks the best relationship we can find and I want to see on the pitch players helping their team-mates and pushing everybody for one target and to achieve our big, big target for us. Because if we do not achieve our target everybody will lose something in their career.”

Former Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld has delivered a blunt assessment of Tottenham’s struggles this season, claiming some players have not been good enough in terms of quality.

Not long ago, Tottenham Hotspur were competing at the very top level of European football.

Fast forward to now, and they find themselves in a relegation battle, sitting two points inside the drop zone with just six games remaining.

It marks a dramatic fall from the Mauricio Pochettino era, with every manager since struggling to replicate that level of consistency and quality.

The squad itself has also undergone a complete overhaul, with every player from the 2019 Champions League final now having left the club. It is fair to say that Tottenham have not managed to replace that level of quality since.

Toby Alderweireld criticises Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven

Speaking to ESPN, Toby Alderweireld did not hold back in his assessment of Tottenham’s current squad.

“I think you also need to start looking at pure quality,” Alderweireld said.

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“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 do not 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.”

The former Spurs centre-back also pointed to the performances of Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven.

“I look at Romero, I look at Van de Ven. They just are not reaching their level,” he added. “Again, not for a period, but actually for an entire season.

“Then I also look at Romero who gets red cards too often, does not make the right decisions and therefore lets his team down.”

Tottenham still feeling the absence of Toby Alderweireld

Toby Alderweireld is right to question the consistency of Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven this season.

Over the past two years, the pair showed enough to be considered one of the more reliable centre-back partnerships in the league when fit. This season, though, neither has really hit that same level despite being fit for almost the entire season.

As captain and vice-captain, that drop in performance matters even more, especially in a squad that already lacks experience.

Romero’s decision-making has been a particular issue, with a number of costly moments across the season, and he is now set to miss the remainder of the campaign through injury.

Chris Sutton has now sent in his score prediction for Tottenham Hotspur versus Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League.

We are approaching the final weeks of the Premier League season, where every point counts.

For Tottenham Hotspur, they need to get points on the board if they are to avoid relegation to the Championship next season, a division they do not frequent, having last been there in the 70s.

However, with Spurs in 18th – the relegation places – it is very likely that they are a Championship side if their form does not improve in the final weeks of the league season.

Tottenham vs Brighton prediction as Chris Sutton doubts Spurs revival

Tottenham have played 14 games this calendar year and are yet to taste victory.

That run makes them the worst side in the league since 2026, a run new boss Roberto De Zerbi will be looking to improve.

Standing in his way this gameweek, though, is Brighton and Hove Albion, the most in-form side in the league at the moment.

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The Seagulls have managed three wins in their last three outings as they push for the European places.

Tottenham will be desperate to secure a win as they look to get their season back on track, but Chris Sutton is far from convinced Spurs’ misery will be brought to an end this weekend.

Writing in his BBC column, where he predicted the outcome of the game, Sutton explained his doubts before giving his verdict, stating:

“After Spurs lost to Sunderland in his first match in charge, Roberto De Zerbi said his players need a father figure, not a coach.

“He is trying to build their confidence but maybe that means he is not coaching them the way he wants to.

“It’s a bit of a head-scratcher, but then Tottenham’s entire season has not made much sense. When you look at their team and their bench, they have got some incredible players.

“Somehow, though, Spurs are still waiting for their first Premier League win of the year after playing 14 league games already in 2026.

“Looking at the table, they will need three wins, or at least two, from their final six games if they are going to climb out of the relegation zone and stay up.

“They really should not be in this position but I am not sure they have got the stomach to get out of it now they are.

“I just do not think they will get one of those wins against Brighton, who have come into a bit of form.

“The Seagulls are on a run of three successive victories, and have five wins in their past six games.

“I can see things going wrong for De Zerbi against his old club, so I am backing Brighton to nick the points here.”

Score prediction: Tottenham 0-1 Brighton

Spurs must improve home form to boost survival hopes

Tottenham are at home, but that in itself does not inspire confidence, as they are the side with the worst home form in the division.

In the 16 games they have played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs have managed just two wins, a run that must improve if they are to avoid relegation to the Championship.

This encounter against Brighton is one of their last two home games, and they must make it count with just six games left to play this season.

Tottenham Hotspur fans will not like Paul Merson’s Tottenham versus Brighton score prediction as relegation looms large.

Leeds United have all but bolstered their hopes of survival this season with a win over Manchester United last weekend, as they are six points clear of 18th-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs, on the other hand, increased their relegation odds in matchweek 32 with a defeat to Sunderland, one that sent them into the bottom three and leaves them two points adrift of safety.

With six games left to play in the league this season, Tottenham need to secure at least ten points if they are to avoid relegation and retain their Premier League status.

Tottenham vs Brighton prediction as Paul Merson doubts Spurs chances

Of course, this gameweek provides Tottenham with yet another opportunity to secure a win as they welcome Brighton and Hove Albion to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

But Spurs’ chances of beating Brighton are low given their struggles this year, where they remain winless in 14 games in 2026.

The Seagulls, however, have managed five wins in their last six games, making them the most in-form side in the division at the moment.

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De Zerbi’s men must dig deep this weekend if they are to arrest their slump, but Paul Merson is far from optimistic about Spurs’ chances.

Writing in his Sportskeeda column, where he assessed Tottenham’s situation and delivered his prediction, Merson said:

“This is a must-win game for Tottenham. My head is going with, ‘this is Spurs, sooner or later, it will all change and they will not go down’. But every time I watch them play, I am reminded of how bad they are!

“They played that game against Sunderland like a two-legged tie. When you are trailing 1-0 and in a relegation battle, you just have to go all in. Tottenham’s goal difference is better than the other teams at risk of relegation. So why not bomb forward? That is my problem with them.

“I have said all season that Tottenham will not get relegated. But now, I am leaning more towards them going down. When I watch them play, I cannot see where they are going to get the results they need to avoid the drop.

“If Tottenham win this game, this could all change. But let us not forget that we are in April and they still have not won a game since the turn of the year in the Premier League!

“Should West Ham and Nottingham Forest win this weekend, they need at least two more wins to avoid relegation. How do you trust a team in such woeful form to get them wins?

“Brighton are playing well and I am backing them to secure a win and condemn Spurs to another shocking defeat like last weekend.”

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Brighton and Hove Albion

Spurs survival hopes tied to West Ham and Nottingham Forest results

Merson also offered predictions on the results of two of Tottenham’s relegation rivals – Nottingham Forest and West Ham United.

The former Arsenal man expects Spurs to finish this gameweek five points away from safety, as he predicts the Hammers to beat Crystal Palace on Monday and Forest to beat Burnley.

Explaining how Tottenham’s result could influence West Ham’s approach, Merson stated:

“If Tottenham lose, this does not become the hardest game in the world for West Ham. But a win for Spurs would drop West Ham back into the relegation zone and they will have that pressure to win on their minds when they play Crystal Palace on Monday.

“I can see West Ham getting a draw if Spurs win. On the other hand, if Tottenham lose, West Ham will play without pressure and in that case, I would back them to beat Palace. So it all comes down to what Tottenham do against Brighton on Saturday. And since I predicted Spurs to lose this weekend, an away win here.”

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 West Ham United.

He predicted Nottingham Forest to beat Burnley 2-0.

Tottenham have once again turned to a familiar face from the past, inviting an award-winning player back to the stadium ahead of a crucial Premier League fixture.

There have been very few positives for Tottenham Hotspur this season as they continue to fight for their Premier League survival.

Spurs sit 18th in the Premier League table, two points inside the relegation zone, with just six games remaining to turn things around.

It marks a remarkable fall for a club that was competing for major honours not long ago. Injuries, lack of investment, managerial instability and poor performances on the pitch have all played a part in this decline.

Through it all, the fans have remained unwavering in their support, even if results have not reflected their loyalty.

With many supporters reminiscing about the Mauricio Pochettino era, it appears the club may be doing the same in its own way.

Erik Lamela latest former Spurs star invited back to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Tottenham have made a habit of inviting former players back to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season, particularly figures from the Pochettino era.

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Jan Vertonghen was present for the Manchester City fixture earlier this year, while Toby Alderweireld returned for the Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid.

Dele Alli was also invited for the North London derby in February, and Heung Min Son made an appearance during last year’s clash against Slavia Prague.

Now, Erik Lamela is the latest former Spurs player set to return, with the Argentine invited as a special guest for the upcoming match against Brighton.

Lamela made 257 appearances for Tottenham across eight years, earning a reputation as a fan favourite despite injury setbacks during his time in North London.

The Argentine is perhaps best remembered for his stunning rabona goal in the North London Derby in 2021, which earned him the Puskas Award. He later went on to win the Europa League with Sevilla 2 years later and is now part of their coaching setup.

Tottenham team news ahead of Roberto De Zerbi reunion with Brighton

Roberto De Zerbi will be without his captain Cristian Romero for the remainder of the season after the defender suffered an injury.

However, the Italian has received a boost ahead of facing his former club Brighton.

Rodrigo Bentancur has been declared fit and available, although De Zerbi stopped short of confirming whether he will start. Yves Bissouma is also fully fit and in contention.

James Maddison is nearing a return from his ACL injury, but De Zerbi has admitted he does not want to take any risks, suggesting it is better to manage his minutes carefully rather than rush him back.

Tottenham Hotspur are fans of an experienced Italian sporting director, but they are not the only ones eyeing a move for him.

Spurs Web has relayed a number of reports over recent weeks suggesting that Tottenham have begun work to replace Fabio Paratici, who exited his role as the club’s sporting director after the January window.

Recent reports indicate that Johan Lange is under significant threat of losing his job at Spurs, which perhaps makes the Lilywhites’ search for a new sporting director even more urgent.

It has been suggested that De Zerbi will have a say in deciding who Tottenham’s next sporting director is, and the Lilywhites are set to turn to another former Juventus man to replace Paratici.

Tottenham consider move for Cristiano Giuntoli

According to a report in Il Messaggero (as relayed by LaRoma24), Cristiano Giuntoli has now emerged as a target for the Lilywhites ahead of the new season.

Giuntoli has been out of work since leaving his role as technical director with the Bianconeri last summer, and he has previously also worked at Spezia, Carpi and Napoli.

However, it is revealed that Giuntoli is also on the wishlist of Roma, who may soon be looking for a new sporting director as their current director, Ricky Massara, faces an uncertain future at the club.

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Additionally, it is revealed that Marseille are also considering a move for the experienced Italian, with a three-horse race thus potentially on the cards for the 54-year-old.

Spurs also linked with two English directors and a German one

Tottenham have explored moves for Paul Winstanley and Dougie Freedman, who both have extensive experience in English football.

It was reported that Sebastian Kehl also emerged as an option for Spurs soon after his exit from Borussia Dortmund last month.