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Destiny Udogie has shared insight into Roberto De Zerbi’s first message to the Tottenham squad, while also revealing what the atmosphere is like at the training ground during a difficult period for the club.

It has been an extremely difficult season for Tottenham Hotspur, who now find themselves 18th in the table and two points inside the relegation zone.

The club have already gone through three managers since the turn of the year, but none have managed to deliver a Premier League win in 2026.

Following the mutual departure of Igor Tudor, Spurs turned to Roberto De Zerbi in hope that he could steer them to safety. However, his first game in charge ended in a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

That performance did not fully reflect De Zerbi’s style of play, which is understandable given the limited time he has had to work with the squad.

The Italian will now be hoping for a stronger showing when Tottenham face his former side Brighton in what is a must-win fixture.

Destiny Udogie reveals Roberto De Zerbi’s first message to Tottenham squad

Speaking to Sky Sports, Destiny Udogie opened up on what it has been like working under Roberto De Zerbi and what the manager told the squad upon his arrival.

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“Obviously, I personally, I knew he was a really great manager and I think since the first day he came, he brought his own style of play and I think he has quite given us the right tools to go into the game and to show our style,” Udogie said.

“From the first day he said it’s really important we stay positive, we help each other on the pitch, off the pitch, to build the right connection.

“And I think it’s the right way to end the season, to have six games to go and it’s really important every day we come with the right mindset, the right attitude and just stay positive as much as we can.”

Udogie shares how Spurs players are coping during difficult spell

In the same interview, Udogie was also asked about how the squad are dealing with the current situation and maintaining belief during such a challenging period.

While he did not go into detail about the atmosphere at Hotspur Way, the Italian did explain the mindset within the group.

“The first thing you do is block the outside noise,” the Tottenham left-back said.

“Obviously, it’s not easy. It’s not easy because when you don’t win some games, obviously you kind of feel like things are not going your way or stuff.

“But I think it’s important that we have a strong mindset, a strong mentality to keep going and just never give up.”

James Maddison has taken to social media to tease Tottenham Hotspur fans regarding his return to training with six games left to go.

Tottenham have been boosted by the returns of Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma ahead of Roberto De Zerbi’s first home game in charge of the club.

Around seven Spurs players could miss out on the game against Brighton, with Cristian Romero being the latest to be added to the treatment table after picking up an injury against Sunderland.

A senior Tottenham man has now sent a big hint on social media as he steps up his rehabilitation.

Maddison has been out of action since picking up an ACL injury last summer, with the attacking midfielder yet to feature this campaign.

Earlier this week, the Tottenham attacking midfielder was spotted training with his teammates, but it was made clear that he is not expected to be available for selection anytime soon.

Maddison has now taken to social media to let the Spurs fans know that he is now back in training, which will certainly excite supporters ahead of their final run-in. Is this a hint that he isn’t too far away from a return?

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Roberto De Zerbi says Maddison is not quite ready and the Spurs boss will not take any risks of reinjuring, but Maddison’s post seems to give the impression that he is pushing to at least play some part in the fight against relegation.

Who will replace Cristian Romero in Spurs’ starting line-up?

Brighton are without Adam Webster and Stefanos Tzimas for the clash against Tottenham, leaving Fabian Hurzeler with an otherwise fully fit squad to choose from.

The absence of Romero offers a headache to De Zerbi, but the Spurs boss has said that Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin are ready to come into the starting eleven.

One would expect Danso to start against the Seagulls, with the Austrian having proven himself to be a reliable performer for the Lilywhites whenever called upon this season.

Luck does not appear to be going Tottenham Hotspur’s way as the club desperately try to avoid relegation from the Premier League for the first time in their history.

Spurs are one of just six clubs to have never gone down from the Premier League, but that record is now at major risk, with the Lilywhites two points behind 18th-placed West Ham, with six league games left.

The particularly concerning thing for Tottenham fans is the fact that the Lilywhites have not won a league game this calendar year, while their relegation rivals, particularly the Hammers, are in much better form.

Spurs’ London rivals have now received a huge boost ahead of their clash against Crystal Palace on Monday night.

West Ham could pull further away from Tottenham if they do not beat Brighton

Tottenham host Brighton tomorrow, and they have an opportunity to move out of the relegation zone with a win before the Hammers travel to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace.

However, they will likely be taking on a weaker Palace side as two of the Eagles’ best players are now doubts for Monday’s fixture.

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Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix were both forced off with injuries in the first-half of the second leg of Palace’s Europa Conference League clash against Fiorentina on Thursday.

Oliver Glasner’s update on the pair suggests that they both may not feature on Monday. Glasner told TNT Sports: “Adam is an abductor [injury], like when he had to leave the England camp. Let’s see, it doesn’t look so serious but we have to assess him further.

“Maxence was foot to foot contact, and then he felt his knee, the medial ligament, so let’s see, but it is painful. Unfortunately, we play in four days again, but credit to the players that came in.”

Spurs desperately need to win against Brighton

If Tottenham lose or draw against the Seagulls on Saturday, West Ham will have a huge opportunity to pull away from the Lilywhites.

With Palace having little to play for, Glasner may be focused on the Conference League, which potentially opens the door for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men to get another good result on Monday.

Spurs thus desperately need to get their first league win of the calender year tomorrow and pile the pressure back on the Hammers before they take to the field in South London.

Tottenham Hotspur have begun work trying to hire a new sporting director after Fabio Paratici’s departure and amidst the uncertainty over the future of Johan Lange.

Paratici departed Spurs at the end of the January window to join Fiorentina as the club’s head of football, leaving a vacuum at the North London club.

Additionally, it has also been reported that Lange is at risk of losing his job at Tottenham this summer even if the Lilywhites preserve their Premier League status.

Reports over recent weeks have revealed that Spurs are assessing candidates to become their next sporting director, and a new update has suggested that two names are at the top of their wishlist.

Sebastian Kehl and Tiago Pinto considered for Tottenham sporting director role

Over recent days, it has been revealed that Spurs have held intensive discussions with Sebastian Kehl over their sporting director role, after the German left the same role with Borussia Dortmund last month.

A new report in The Daily Mail has backed up the Lilywhites’ interest in the 46-year-old, naming him as one of two potential options who could arrive at Hotspur Way.

The other name on the Lilywhites’ radar is said to be Bournemouth’s president of football operations, Tiago Pinto, who previously served as a director at Roma and Benfica.

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The report also reveals that if Lange is still at Tottenham next season, it is expected to be in a less crucial role, potentially working under the new appointment.

Spurs making two distinct plans for summer window

The Mail backs up what other sources have reported on the matter by revealing that De Zerbi will hold sway in deciding who the club’s next sporting director will be.

It is explained that for the next month, the club will put two different recruitment plans in place with two different budgets, one to be implemented if they survive in the Premier League and the other if they do down.

The outlet adds that if the Lilywhites were to be relegated, their expenditure in the summer will depend on outgoings, and recruitment would thus need to be adjusted accordingly.

Tottenham Hotspur are running out of time to salvage their season, with their remaining fixtures now set to define whether they can pull off a late escape. We have now compared Spurs’ fixtures with those of their relegation rivals.

Tottenham Hotspur find themselves in unfamiliar territory in the business end of the 2025–26 season, sitting uncomfortably in 18th place in the Premier League table.

Spurs are not used to a relegation scrap, having enjoyed top-flight status for 48 years, but now they are on the cusp of losing it all.

Tottenham’s latest 1-0 defeat to Sunderland has only increased their chances of being relegated, while their relegation rivals’ chances of survival have been greatly boosted.

We now have just six games left to go and, for Spurs, picking up victories in each of those games is absolutely crucial if they are to keep their survival hopes alive.

Spurs fixtures compared with Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and West Ham United

Of course, with Tottenham sitting 18th in the league table, their fate is no longer entirely in their own hands, as they will need their relegation rivals to slip up in the final months of the season.

But how likely are those slip-ups? We have now taken a look at the final six games of Spurs’ relegation rivals, including Leeds United, West Ham United and Nottingham Forest.

Tottenham Hotspur’s next six Premier League fixtures:

Leeds United’s next six fixtures

Nottingham Forest’s next six fixtures

Roberto De Zerbi has highlighted the importance of Tottenham Hotspur beating Brighton and it is about more than just the three points.

The Premier League table looks frightening to those of a Tottenham Hotspur persuasion, with relegation proving to be a real possibility.

Spurs may have looked bad under Thomas Frank, but they are only one point better off since the Dane received his marching orders.

This weekend, winning is an absolute necessity to prevent Spurs from falling even further from the Premier League survival spots.

However, Roberto De Zerbi believes there is another reason for his team needing to break their pattern of consecutive draws and defeats.

Tottenham need to remember what it feels like to win, says Roberto De Zerbi

It has only been just over a month since Spurs won a match, but a second leg win in an overall Champions League defeat can only do so much to build confidence.

De Zerbi actually thinks Tottenham have forgotten how it feels to come out on top, which is why beating Brighton would mean so much.

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Asked in his pre-match press conference if the Lilywhites need to get the ball rolling, he replied: “In my words, what I said last week was the focus is to win one game. I don’t know if tomorrow we are able to win, I hope. I think we have the quality enough to win a game, but anyway we have to be stronger because the qualities of the players are bigger than all the difficulties we are spending in this moment.”

He added: “Yes, I think it’s crucial to win a game, not just for the table. One part for the table, for sure, but because we have to feel again what is nice to win a game and what they can do. Because I have no doubt about the qualities of the players.

“When I watch the list of the squad, Bentancur, Bissouma, Palhinha, Xavi Simons, Kolo Muani, Richarlison, Van de Ven, I’m a lucky for that.

“Now it’s a tough moment, but to achieve the great target you have to pass through the difficulties. You have to go through the difficulties, you have to get over the difficulties. There are maybe too many difficulties.”

Finally, De Zerbi said: “I have to get to know the players better and better every week. It is much better. 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 and to transfer confidence. I can bring myself, I can bring my philosophy of football but also I’m working to create the good atmosphere, a good relationship with the players.

“I think in this moment of football, especially for Tottenham in this season, the qualities of the players are important but the spirit and the relationship between the players, the love the players put for the club is more important for sure.”

If Tottenham manage to pull off De Zerbi’s ‘just win the next game’ approach, and their rivals drop points, Spurs could end up two places clear of the relegation zone by Monday evening.

Spurs could struggle against Brighton

If Tottenham were going to finally get a win in the Premier League, it would have been far more convenient to show up and play well against Nottingham Forest.

After all, Brighton are actually a very good team and have won five of their past six matches in the top flight.

Three of these were away fixtures, with the Seagulls overcoming Brentford, Sunderland and Burnley without conceding a single goal.

Therefore, a win for Tottenham will be viewed as unlikely. However, fine margins separated them from Sunderland, and the hosts will be hoping for the same on Saturday, only weighted in their own favour this time around.

Roberto De Zerbi has revealed the important reason as to why he has decided to wait before naming his captain ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s match against Brighton.

Tottenham Hotspur have been battling injury issues pretty much non-stop for the past two seasons, and this problem does not look to be going away.

Recently, Mohammed Kudus suffered a setback when it looked like he would soon be returning from his quad issue.

Then last Sunday, Cristian Romero suffered an injury which could see him ruled out for the season.

This of course occurred due to a disgraceful shove in the back by Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey, which caused the defender to collide with Antonin Kinsky.

Roberto De Zerbi is yet to choose a new Tottenham captain

With Romero out, Roberto De Zerbi must decide which player he wants to lead Spurs when they take on his former employers this Saturday.

However, this is a decision which the Italian is still working on, as he has been dealing with more important issues.

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Speaking in his pre-match press conference, De Zerbi told the media: “I had other more important problems to find a solution. I would like all players to be a captain. We have to feel everyone, the responsibility of this situation.”

The captaincy is not Tottenham’s greatest concern

Whether it is Micky van de Ven, Pedro Porro or even Conor Gallagher wearing the armband on Saturday, this is not the most important factor affecting whether Spurs win or lose.

De Zerbi is right not to treat it as his primary concern, because it is more important that each individual takes responsibility for their own performance and shows initiative.

Getting the tactics spot on has to be the manager’s main ambition, as failing to do so could see Tottenham slip even further away from safety.

Nottingham Forest have a good chance of beating Burnley, while a win at Selhurst Park for West Ham would not exactly be a massive shock.

Therefore, it is essential that Spurs focus on what they do on the pitch in order to secure a vital three points in the Premier League for the first time since December.

Roberto De Zerbi has praised James Maddison’s leadership, while revealing his plans for integrating the midfielder back into Tottenham Hotspur’s squad.

Tottenham Hotspur have been without James Maddison for the best part of a year and his loss has been felt by each member of the team.

Indeed, Spurs are 18th in the Premier League table, trailing London rivals West Ham by two points after they thrashed Wolves last weekend.

Therefore, it came as excellent news that Maddison returned to Tottenham training this week, providing hope of a return before the end of the season.

James Maddison will not be rushed by Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham

Unfortunately, Maddison’s return will not be immediate, but this is actually a good thing considering how long he has been sidelined.

Instead of rushing the 29-year-old, Roberto De Zerbi is keen to ensure he is fully recovered before getting back to competitive action.

The Italian addressed this in his press conference, while reflecting on Maddison’s leadership, which he hopes will rub off on other players in the Tottenham first-team squad.

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“There are a lot of different types of leaders. Real leaders who talks inside the dressing room, Maddison is a top player on the pitch with the ball but also as a personality, mentality on the pitch,” De Zerbi said.

“I would like to reach this level for Micky van de Ven, [Joao] Palhinha is a leader, [Rodrigo] Bentancur, I would like to push with [Dominic] Solanke, he is one of the best strikers in the Premier League. I want him stronger as a character on the pitch.

I don’t want to push too much as we lost [Mohammed] Kudus in this way. I will use the players when they are totally available to play and start the training, it’s better to lose one game more than get another injury.”

Rodrigo Bentancur is back for Spurs

Although Maddison is not yet available, Bentancur has recovered from a hamstring injury which has seen him miss 11 Premier League matches since January.

The Uruguayan international was slammed for his lethargic performances earlier in the season, which all too often consisted of low-risk passes.

However, he might be able to help bring some control to a Tottenham midfield who need all the help they can get. Right now, De Zerbi needs as many players available as possible, otherwise the fate of Spurs will already be sealed.

Roberto De Zerbi has now provided an injury update on his Tottenham Hotspur squad ahead of their crucial encounter with Brighton and Hove Albion.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to resume their fight to avoid the drop this weekend as they take on Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League.

Spurs come into this clash off the back of a winless run in 2026, having failed to win any of their last 14 league games this year – a stretch that has seen them drop into the Premier League’s bottom three for the first time this season.

Brighton, on the other hand, is in much better form, coming into this game off the back of three consecutive wins, including a 2-0 victory in their last encounter against Burnley.

Roberto De Zerbi’s former side is also pushing for a European spot, currently sitting ninth but just one point off sixth in the Europa League places and six points behind fifth in the Champions League spots.

They will be keen to secure victory on Saturday to boost their chances of European qualification.

However, De Zerbi will be aiming to dent those aspirations as he welcomes his former side to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time since his move to north London.

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He will also be hoping to secure his first victory in front of his home support after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Sunderland last time out.

Spurs remain the worst home side in the division, as they have managed just two wins in front of their home support all season.

Speaking ahead of the clash against his former side, De Zerbi has now provided an injury update on his Tottenham squad.

We expect that at least seven Spurs players could miss out on the game against Brighton this weekend, although that number could be reduced to seven following Rodrigo Bentancur’s return to training.

But while the Uruguayan has returned, Spurs are now set to be without Cristian Romero for five to seven weeks following the injury he picked up against Sunderland, and he is set to miss the rest of the season.

The Argentine now joins other long-term absentees James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, Ben Davies, Mohammed Kudus and Guglielmo Vicario, who are all out ahead of this fixture.

De Zerbi told the official Tottenham channels that Romero is ruled out for the season, Bentancur and Bissouma are available again, Vicario remains out, and James Maddison is not yet ready to return to action.

He said: “Bentancur is available to play, I don’t know if he’ll start the game or not, Bissouma is available but Vicario no.

“Kinsky played very well in Sunderland but Vicario is another important player for us, big experience, character and personality.”

Speaking to Football London, De Zerbi said on Romero: “I’m really sorry for him and his injury. First of all, non-stop, the people have to know he’s suffering because of this injury and because he can’t play anymore for us in this season.

“He’s a great captain for us and for Tottenham. We have to be positive, we have Radu Dragusin and Kevin Danso, they are very good to play and give us quality with the ball.”

Tottenham Hotspur have already decided that three of their players will remain at the club next season, even if the club get relegated to the Championship.

Plenty of outlets have predicted a mass exodus from Spurs this summer in the event of relegation, with clubs around Europe circling over Tottenham’s best players.

That is an outcome that the Lilywhites will be keen to avoid, as relegation would have devastating financial consequences on Spurs.

However, it appears that the club are making some plans regarding their squad building in case their dreaded nightmare comes true and they find themselves in the second tier for the first time in nearly 50 years.

Tottenham consider Conor Gallagher and co to be ‘untouchable’

TEAMtalk have now claimed that even if Spurs go down, they will not sanction a full-scale squad clearout in the summer.

While some high-profile exits would be expected at Tottenham if they drop out of the top-flight, the club are keen to avoid a fire sale and retain a core group of players.

It is revealed that midfield is one area which Roberto De Zerbi’s men are keen to keep intact, with James Maddison, Conor Gallagher and Archie Gray all viewed as ‘untouchable’ by the Lilywhites.

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The midfield trio are seen as important to the club’s future, regardless of the division they play in, and their experience in the Championship is valued by Spurs.

The outlet asserts that Gray, Maddison and Gallagher remain fully committed to staying at Tottenham even if they go down.

Three big names are likely to depart Spurs if they are relegated

TEAMtalk point out that Tottenham’s wage structure includes salary reductions in case of relegations, which means they will not be under immediate pressure to sell players.

The club can afford to take ‘a more controlled appraoch’ to the summer window even if they go down, but some big names are expected to depart.