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Roberto De Zerbi has leapt to the defence of Kevin Danso after a difficult moment against Brighton, making his stance clear as Tottenham Hotspur continue their fight for survival.

The Premier League table could have looked very different for Tottenham Hotspur had they seen out their 2-1 lead against Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend.

It was a much-improved performance from Spurs, arguably their best this year, as they looked sharper in attack and solid defensively, restricting Brighton to an xG of 0.82.

However, a lapse in concentration from Kevin Danso gave Brighton a late opportunity to pull the game back, and they took their chance when Georginio Rutter struck late.

Tottenham Kevin Danso backed by Roberto De Zerbi after incident

That draw did Tottenham little good as they remained in the bottom three of the Premier League table with five games to play.

Spurs now remain two points adrift of safety, but there is hope they can leave the drop zone this week if they beat Wolves and West Ham United fail to beat Everton.

Unfortunately, Danso’s mistake from last weekend led to racist abuse from a small number of individuals. There is no room for racism in football or at Spurs, and De Zerbi made that stance clear in his latest press conference, telling football.london: “I was very annoyed by the racist insults towards Kevin, but he has to be calm and I am proud of him.

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“He played a fantastic game. Not a good game but a fantastic game. I do not consider one mistake. He will be here next season because he is a good guy, a very good player and every one of us is lucky to work with him.”

Spurs rely on Kevin Danso as defensive injuries continue

Danso has been a reliable performer for Tottenham, often delivering consistent displays whenever he is called upon at the back.

In the game against Brighton, it was more of the same from the Austrian, whose underlying numbers remained solid:

Roberto De Zerbi has delivered the latest on Guglielmo Vicario’s fitness, with Tottenham Hotspur continuing to battle through an injury-hit period at a crucial stage of the season.

Since Roberto De Zerbi took charge of Tottenham Hotspur, the Spurs boss has had to contend with several injuries.

Mohammed Kudus was the first to suffer a setback, one that requires surgery and rules him out for the rest of the season, before Cristian Romero followed suit in the same week.

Destiny Udogie has now become the latest to join the treatment room, having picked up a muscular injury in training, leaving Spurs without six players heading into the game against Wolves.

With several players picking up injuries, Spurs, however, will be hoping to welcome a few back. According to the latest injury timeline, Guglielmo Vicario looked set for a return this week.

The Spurs number one went under the knife during the last international break, undergoing surgery on his hernia, which has kept him out for over a month.

The Tottenham boss has now provided an update on the Italian ahead of the Wolves game, revealing that he will not be available.

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He told football.london: “He is not available for tomorrow. I hope he can start with me from Monday.

“Antonin is playing very well. I hope Vicario can come back in the best physical condition because he is a very important player for us.”

Spurs face goalkeeping decision as Guglielmo Vicario recovers

Of course, Vicario is an important player for Tottenham as he brings leadership to a backline that has already lost its captain in Cristian Romero.

However, questions remain about the Italian’s technical ability with the ball at his feet, which has been far from convincing this season.

Antonin Kinsky, on the other hand, has looked more comfortable in possession, and his composure allows those around him to play out from pressure more easily.

A German football expert has revealed how Tottenham fans should be feeling after the Lilywhites made Sebastian Kehl their top target for the sporting director role.

Reports indicate that Spurs have held talks with Sebastian Kehl over their sporting director role after the German parted ways with Borussia Dortmund.

Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg revealed earlier this week that the German director had become Tottenham’s top target for the sporting director role.

He explained that Spurs’ plan is to partner Kehl with their existing sporting director, Johan Lange, to rebuild their squad this summer.

The Athletic have now backed up every word of what Plettenberg reported regarding the Lilywhites’ pursuit of the 46-year-old director.

The outlet also spoke to German football expert Seb Stafford-Bloor on Kehl’s time at Dortmund, with the journalist explaining that the 46-year-old has mixed results at the Bundesliga club.

Stafford-Bloor said: “Kehl’s four years at Dortmund were difficult. The period marked a significant shift away from their traditional recruitment strategy, with the focus moving towards mid-career players and away from the elite, younger prospects with which the club was more often associated. They wanted to become more emotionally stable and less dependent on volatile young careers.

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“The results were mixed. Dortmund came extremely close to winning the Bundesliga in 2023, losing out to Bayern Munich on the season’s final day. They also reached the Champions League final in 2024, losing 2-0 to Real Madrid at Wembley. However, there has been a lack of coaching stability, with Dortmund employing four head coaches (Marco Rose, Edin Terzic, Nuri Sahin and Niko Kovac) across Kehl’s four years, and supporters have frequently bemoaned the club’s transfer policy and a perceived loss of technical identity.

“There have been some significant recruiting misses. Dortmund came close to signing Rayan Cherki in January 2025, only to fail in a late bid. In addition, moves this season for Jobe Bellingham and Yan Couto are yet to pay off. At the same time, Kehl has moved quite well through the market: the signing of wing-back Daniel Svensson, initially on loan last season, has proven extremely smart and big money purchases of Serhou Guirassy, Felix Nmecha and Nico Schlotterbeck have all been relative successes.”

Kehl was working under difficult circumstances at Dortmund

However, Stafford-Bloor explained that the former German international was working in a difficult environment at Westfalenstadion at a time of upheaval at the club.

The journalist suggested that his exit from Dortmund following four years as the sporting director was partly political.

He added: “The wider context matters, too. Kehl was sporting director at Dortmund during a period of significant political upheaval. In 2024, Lars Ricken, formerly the club’s head of academy, was promoted into a newly created sporting CEO role, in preparation for the departure of Hans-Joachim Watzke, who had been CEO since 2006. It was a role that Kehl wanted, but which he was overlooked for.

“The resulting dynamic between him and Ricken was tricky. Externally, it was never quite clear who held ultimate authority for recruitment, and while the club always denied that there was any friction between the two, stories about the relationship were regularly published in the German media. Kehl’s departure from Dortmund, while abrupt, had long felt politically inevitable, even if no fair assessment of his role can ever be truly binary.”

Roberto De Zerbi has now provided a fresh injury update on Tottenham midfielder Dejan Kulusevski who has been out since May 2025.

Tottenham Hotspur will have to secure their Premier League status this season without several of their key players available to help them.

At the moment, at least six Spurs players are expected to miss out on Saturday against Wolves because of injuries.

Several members of the club’s leadership group are out, with Cristian Romero, James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario all sidelined.

Destiny Udogie is also now set to be out after picking up a muscular injury since Spurs last took to the field against Brighton.

While James Maddison is set to miss out against Wolves, Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Maddison will be on the bench to serve as a confidence boost to his teammates.

The Spurs boss has also provided an update on another of his long-term absentees, Dejan Kulusevski.

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The Swede has been out since May last year and is yet to kick a ball this season, having not played under any of Tottenham’s last three managers.

Speaking about Kulusevski’s situation, De Zerbi told football.london that he feels for the player and hopes he can return soon.

He said: “I am sorry for him because he is one of my perfect players. He is a very specific player for me like Kudus, like Romero but I hope for him he can play in the World Cup because the World Cup for a player is a moment. It is the best period of their career, but I do not know the situation very well.”

Kulusevski seems unlikely to play for Spurs this season

Tottenham fans have voiced concern over how long Dejan Kulusevski has been out, with many questioning whether the Swede will play again this season.

De Zerbi’s press conference has provided a degree of hope regarding the fitness of the versatile midfielder, who could return in the summer for the World Cup. But it appears we can kiss the prospect of Deki playing in the Premier League this season goodbye.

However, things could look very different when he does return as Spurs continue their fight for safety. Should they go down, the Swede could return with them in the Championship.

Roberto De Zerbi has offered the latest on James Maddison ahead of a crucial weekend for Tottenham Hotspur, with fitness concerns once again casting doubt over a key figure as the run-in intensifies.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to return to Premier League action this weekend as they prepare to take on relegated Wolves.

The last time the two sides met, Spurs were held to a 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, needing to come from behind to earn a point thanks to a late Joao Palhinha strike.

This time, though, a draw will do little for Tottenham’s chances as they sit in the bottom three of the Premier League table with just five games to go.

A victory, however, will see Spurs leave the drop zone and leapfrog West Ham United into 17th place if the Hammers fail to secure a win against Everton.

Roberto De Zerbi has now provided an update on his injured Tottenham Hotspur man, James Maddison.

Spurs Web reported before De Zerbi’s press conference that five Spurs players are expected to miss out on this weekend’s game.

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James Maddison was among those flagged, despite returning to the matchday squad against Brighton, where he was an unused substitute.

Speaking about the midfielder’s fitness and availability, De Zerbi explained that Maddison is still not ready to return fully, telling football.london: “No he is not available [to play] yet. Especially in this week, he felt pain but not so important pain.

“Tomorrow he will come on the bench because he is important whether he plays or not. Better he plays but as a leader and a guy, I want to see in my dressing room nice people, positive people.”

Spurs need leadership as James Maddison absence continues

Spurs could do with more leaders in the coming weeks as they battle to stay in the Premier League for the rest of the season

James Maddison is one such voice who can spur the side on, even when he is not on the pitch for Tottenham.

The Englishman will, however, have to bide his time on the sidelines as he continues to recover from his ACL injury, which will likely keep him out until next season.

Roberto De Zerbi has now provided an injury update on his Tottenham Hotspur squad ahead of their Premier League match with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have now been officially relegated from the Premier League following the draw between West Ham United and Crystal Palace on Monday night.

Rob Edwards’ side, who had shown some upturn in form in recent weeks, grabbing two wins in their last five, saw their fate sealed after a poor run in their last three outings, where they were winless.

Tottenham Hotspur will now be desperate to avoid a similar outcome this campaign as they sit in the bottom three with five games left before the 2025-26 season comes to an end.

Up next is a clash between the two sides this weekend. Wolves will take to the field for the first time since their relegation was confirmed, while Spurs will be looking to secure their first win in 2026 as they fight for survival.

With the game crucial for Tottenham, Roberto De Zerbi will be keen to have as many players fit and ready as possible.

He has been handed a boost, with Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma featuring against Brighton and Hove Albion without picking up injuries, and both should be in contention for Saturday’s game.

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James Maddison also made a surprising return to the bench last time out as an unused substitute, although it remains to be seen if he is fit enough to feature before the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Guglielmo Vicario’s situation remains unclear as he continues to recover from the hernia surgery he underwent during the international break, while Xavi Simons has declared himself fit after the knock he picked up against Brighton and will be available.

However, Wilson Odobert, Ben Davies, Dejan Kulusevski, Cristian Romero and Mohammed Kudus all remain unavailable ahead of this clash. Destiny Udogie was also a doubt heading into the game.

Roberto De Zerbi has now addressed the official Tottenham channels and provided an update on several of his injured players.

Speaking to Football London about his squad, De Zerbi said: “Destiny has a [muscular] problem. I think he can’t play tomorrow, but he played on Saturday and played a great first half, second half as well but the first was great. We have Spence, Souza is available to come with us. It’s not a big problem, I hope Udogie could be back for next week at Villa Park.”

He added: “I have a big opinion of Destiny and he is a crucial player for us. We are lucky because we can play with Djed Spence, another important player and another very good guy.”

Tottenham have taken a significant step forward in their pursuit of Marcos Senesi, although one key condition could yet determine whether the deal is completed.

Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in Marcos Senesi is nothing new, with reports over the last few months linking Spurs with the Bournemouth centre-back.

Spurs Web relayed a few weeks ago that Tottenham had moved into pole position to sign the soon-to-be free agent, who is not short of options.

The likes of Barcelona and Juventus have been in the race, but a new report has shown there is a fresh development in the centre-back’s future.

Tottenham reach Marcos Senesi agreement ahead of summer transfer

A new report from Florian Plettenberg now states that Tottenham and Marcos Senesi have reached an agreement in principle.

The Bournemouth centre-back has been impressive this season, with the Cherries having played 33 games and the defender providing five assists.

It is explained that the 28-year-old top centre-back has given his commitment to join Spurs on a free transfer in the summer.

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However, there is a clause, as the move is only expected to go through if Tottenham stay in the Premier League; nothing has been signed yet.

Tottenham also have a verbal agreement to sign Andy Robertson if the club remain in the Premier League.

Spurs survival push now crucial to transfer plans

Spurs will now continue their fight to stay in the Premier League as they remain in the bottom three with five games to go this season.

Tottenham’s next encounter is against Wolves, who are already relegated, and they have a big chance of leaving the bottom three with a victory.

However, they will be hoping their relegation rivals slip up in their own fixtures, with Spurs relying on favours elsewhere as they battle to preserve their Premier League status for the remainder of the season.

Gabby Agbonlahor has mapped out Tottenham and West Ham’s run-ins and predicted which of the two he thinks will be relegated.

Tottenham Hotspur cannot afford anything close to average performances in the Premier League run-in, with five games left to play.

The displays from here on must be good enough to get results, as failure to secure victories now will almost certainly lead to relegation to the Championship.

Next up in the league for Tottenham is a game against Wolves, a must-win, as victory at Molineux could see them leapfrog West Ham and move out of the relegation zone; however, that is only if the Hammers fail to win their own clash.

Spurs run-in predicted by Gabby Agbonlahor amid relegation battle

Former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor has now had his say, predicting Tottenham’s next five games as they continue their fight for survival.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Agbonlahor outlined how he expects Spurs’ fixtures to unfold, backing them to pick up enough points to secure safety.

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He said: “Spurs first of all, Ally, I think they beat Wolves. I look at them away to Aston Villa, I am going to go for a draw.

“Three points at home to Leeds. Chelsea away, this Chelsea side cannot be trusted, I am going to go for a draw. And in the last home game of the season against Everton, a win for Spurs. 42 points for Spurs to finish on.”

Tottenham predicted run-in by Gabby Agbonlahor

Tottenham vs West Ham predictions could decide survival

Agbonlahor is not the only one to predict Spurs to stay up, with Roy Keane also of the opinion that the Lilywhites will avoid the drop this term.

The former Manchester United midfielder believes the relegation scrap will be between Nottingham Forest and the Hammers, and Agbonlahor’s prediction points towards West Ham as the side to go down.

Outlining his expectations for West Ham’s remaining fixtures, Agbonlahor explained on talkSPORT how he sees their results playing out: “Next, West Ham – Everton they have got at home, Ally, I am going to go draw. Brentford away, I have got a point.

“Arsenal at home, I have gone for a loss – zero points. Then their last two games are Newcastle away and Leeds United at home, I have gone two wins, finish on 41 points. West Ham go down.”

West Ham predicted run-in

Mauricio Pochettino has reopened the door to a potential Tottenham return, but there is a Roberto De Zerbi-shaped hurdle in his way this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have hired three different managers this season as they fight to avoid the drop to the Championship.

The Thomas Frank project lasted just eight months before the plug was pulled on the Dane, who struggled to deliver results on the pitch and played a brand of football that was far from the Tottenham way.

Following his departure, in came Igor Tudor, who lasted just 44 days in the Spurs dugout and had a disappointingly low 0% win rate in the Premier League and, with Tottenham fighting for survival, there was no option other than for the club to part ways with him.

Tottenham now have what has been described as their first-choice option in the dugout in Roberto De Zerbi. The former Brighton man has yet to put a foot wrong as he continues Spurs’ fight to avoid the drop to the Championship.

Mauricio Pochettino opens up on a potential Tottenham return

A lot was made about De Zerbi’s appointment, with talks around his record at previous clubs, where he rarely stays for more than two seasons.

However, with Spurs he has made a long-term commitment, signing a five-year deal – one that should keep him in the dugout until 2031.

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The North London side, however, was not short of alternative options before eventually landing the Italian, with the likes of Sean Dyche and even former manager Mauricio Pochettino heavily linked with the vacancy.

The Argentine was high on the list for many, though his current commitment to the United States national team ultimately ruled him out of contention during a World Cup year.

Despite his current role on the international stage, Pochettino has now opened up about the possibility of an eventual return to the club where he previously enjoyed great success.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with FourFourTwo, the former manager addressed his enduring connection with the supporters and the values of the institution.

“Yes, why not [go back]? If the right conditions are there, of course. Tottenham feels like home to us. We identify with the club’s idiosyncrasies, values and supporters.

“Right now it is about enjoying the World Cup,” he added. “After that, I have always said I came so close to winning the Premier League and Champions League, and want to try again. I would like to be part of a project with the ambition of winning both.”

Mauricio Pochettino could replace Roberto De Zerbi at Spurs if board relations falter

The decision of De Zerbi to sign a long-term contract suggests that Tottenham may not be in search of a new manager anytime soon, especially as the Italian remains committed to the project even if the club suffers relegation.

However, the former Brighton boss has not entirely ruled out the possibility of a future departure, recently sharing the specific circumstances that could force him to reconsider his position.

In a recent interview, De Zerbi explained that maintaining a strong relationship with the board is far more important to him than the league status of the club.

Explaining the necessity of a shared vision between the coaching staff and the hierarchy, 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. Yes. Everyone on the same page.”

It is only if this internal alignment begins to fracture that a return to North London could realistically be on the cards for Mauricio Pochettino.

Alasdair Gold has revealed that Xavi Simons has left no stone unturned in his efforts to become the best player he can be for Tottenham Hotspur.

The Dutchman has not lived up to his billing in his first season in the Premier League, but he is now showing signs of coming into his own after getting used to the pace and physicality of the division.

Xavi was named on WhoScored’s Team of the Week after his masterclass against Brighton, which included a sublime goal and an assist.

While that was not enough to get Spurs their first league win of the calendar year, the Tottenham midfielder has vowed to keep fighting until the end as the Lilywhites desperately try to avoid relegation.

Xavi Simons has taken some big steps to produce his best for Tottenham

Football.London’s Alasdair Gold has revealed that the attacking midfielder has assembled his own team around him in North London to help him perform at his best.

Gold states that Xavi is working with his own data and video analysts, as well as a personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, and a mindset coach.

Additionally, the journalist shares that the 22-year-old has regularly been spotted working hard in Hotspur Way, even on his days off.

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The Netherlands international thus appears to be leaving no stone unturned in his quest to adapt to English football, and Spurs fans will be hoping that the former RB Leipzig man produces the moments of quality that keep the club in the Premier League.

Roberto De Zerbi is confident he can get the best out of Xavi

De Zerbi has said that Xavi is lucky to have him as his coach, since he too was a number ten in his playing days.

The Tottenham boss has admitted that he has a special connection with the Dutchman and suggested that the best is yet to come from the 22-year-old.