Football London

Here's every single word the Tottenham Hotspur head coach said after the defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night

Roberto De Zerbi gave a passionate press conference after Tottenham's 2-1 loss to Chelsea in the Premier League on Tuesday night.

Spurs should have gone ahead 11 minutes in when Mathys Tel sent a header against the left-hand post from Pedro Porro's curling cross.

Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring seven minutes later with a dipping effort from outside the box that flew straight into the bottom left corner of the Tottenham net.

In the second half as he readied three changes, De Zerbi could only watch in horror as Randal Kolo Muani played an awful pass into his own half to nobody in particular. Chelsea seized on it and broke forward with Fernandez cushioning a pass to Andrey Santos to slide the ball home.

Spurs pulled a goal back on 74 minutes when Porro picked out Pape Matar Sarr in the box and the midfielder's backheel found Richarlison to fire home at the back post.

Tottenham were unable to conjure a dramatic finale, despite a blocked chance for Maddison in front of goal and drama when Micky van de Ven was pulled down in the box, and will now hope to either pick up a point against Everton or hope Leeds do them a favour by preventing the Hammers from winning at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Our Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold was among those putting the questions to De Zerbi after the game. Here's the full transcript from the press conference at Stamford Bridge.

What did you make of the performance tonight?

I think we played a good game, we could score at the beginning of the game with Mathys Tel. We conceded a goal, a great goal of Enzo Fernandes, but I think we could do something better, especially in the second ball, long ball, Udogie. And before to concede the second goal, we could score with Richarlison with a big chance.

Anyway, I think we played well. I would like if we play Sunday like the last 20 minutes, because in the last 20 minutes we showed, I think, more energy, more passion, something more inside of us. But it's difficult, it's an opportunity for every one of us, because through this period, these games, these days, we can become better as a coach, as a player. If we stay strong until the end, because when you fight for the relegation, you have to stay inside of the league until the last minute of the last game of the season.

What did you make of the penalty claim when Micky van de Ven was dragged down in the box?

It's not my business now. My focus is to prepare the next game and to make points. Because Sunday is the final for Tottenham, not Bilbao against Man Utd. The most important game is Sunday, because last season they played for the trophy, now we play for something more important than the trophy.

Because the pride, the history of the club, the dignity are more important than the trophy. The trophy you can win, you can lose, nothing changes in your life.

You can have one trophy more, but the most important is to keep the dignity, to keep the pride, to go on holiday like this [head up], and not like this [head down].

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

If you play like you did in the last 20 minutes against Everton then you will be okay?

I think for the first 70 minutes we didn’t play badly. We played well. We played a good game. Yes but in the last third of the pitch we made too many mistakes. In the assist, in the last pass, the cross, in the finishing. I think we can show these values also in the last pass.

You mentioned the dignity of the club, do the players understand that?

Very well.

How do you know that?

Because I’m living just for Tottenham. I have lived the last 45 days just for one thing. Tottenham and for my players and I know them very well. Then we can make differences because not everyone is like their team-mate because the character, the level of passion, the level of personality is different because the people are different. But every one of them they are focused on the target. They are working hard during the week and every one of us wants to achieve the goal.

The extra energy and passion in the last 20 minutes, how much was down to Maddison and on Sunday how much do you need him to play?

Yes, but James Maddison can’t play more than 20 or 25. I have a medical staff behind me, I am not a doctor, I am not physical coach and I have to follow what they say no? But I think we can stay up with James and without James.

Can you understand why Tottenham fans will be furious about the penalty incident, especially after the Leeds incident with Maddison?

The fans today have been fantastic, fantastic and we have to say thanks because they were incredible. If we speak about the penalty with Leeds, today we can speak about what you want but we lose focus and we lose energy. My focus is to stay on the pitch, to stay in the best first XI I can decide for Sunday and to transfer what I think about this game, about the football and to prepare in the best way the players. I think we played a final, we played an important game but in our stadium and we have two results out of three, so we have to stay alive but any way, it is a big day for us.

Here are our Tottenham Hotspur player ratings after their 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League on Tuesday evening

Tottenham's relegation battle will seep into a tense final day of the Premier League season as their Stamford Bridge hoodoo continued.

On the same day their north London rivals wrapped up the title, Spurs knew that just a point at the other end of the table would secure their Premier League status for next season thanks to West Ham's inferior goal difference. Chelsea still harboured hopes of European football under incoming boss Xabi Alonso.

The point did not come for Spurs though as goals from Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos either side of the break, before a Richarlison consolation effort, consigned Roberto De Zerbi's side to defeat and a nervy final day meeting with Everton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where the Lilywhites are yet to win in the league in 2026.

De Zerbi wanted his players to put aside history and the club's Stamford Bridge struggles over the years, with just the single win there in the Premier League era. He had decided against bringing the fit again Guglielmo Vicario back into his starting line-up with young Czech stopper Antonin Kinsky getting the nod again between the sticks.

Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane had no Joao Pedro and Levi Colwill in his squad, the former picking up a knock and the latter having his time managed after his recent return from injury, while Reece James dropped to the bench after Saturday's cup final defeat.

It was the visitors who should have taken the lead 11 minutes in when Mathys Tel sent a header against the base of the left-hand post from Pedro Porro's curling cross before Kinsky pushed away Cole Palmer's effort at the other end.

Fernandez opened the scoring 18 minutes in with a dipping effort from outside the box that flew straight into the bottom left corner of the Tottenham net. The busy Argentine then hit the crossbar with a free-kick from out wide before the half hour mark.

The second half saw Spurs push for a leveller with Richarlison winning headers in the Chelsea box without doing anything useful with them.

De Zerbi tried to change things up with 25 minutes to go, calling for James Maddison, Pape Matar Sarr and Djed Spence to enter the fray but as they waited on the touchline they could only watch in horror as Randal Kolo Muani played a wretched pass into his own half to nobody in particular. Chelsea seized on it and broke forward with Fernandez cushioning a pass to Santos so slide the ball home.

Spurs pulled a goal back on 74 minutes when Porro picked out Sarr in the box and the midfielder's exquisite backheel found Richarlison to tap home at the back post.

Tottenham were unable to conjure a dramatic finale, despite a blocked chance for Maddison in front of goal and drama when Micky van de Ven appeared to be pulled down in the box, and will now hope to either pick up a point against Everton or hope Leeds do them a favour by preventing the Hammers from winning at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

Here are our Spurs player ratings:

Antonin Kinsky

Saved well from Palmer early on but couldn't keep out Fernandez's effort. 6

Pedro Porro

Sent in a great cross for Tel to head against the post 11 minutes in. Picked up a yellow card 27 minutes in for a mistimed challenge on Cucurella, who kept getting played in behind him in the first half as he tried to push up. Improved in the second half though and was involved in the Richarlison goal. 6

Kevin Danso

Battled away as usual but left Santos to go across to Fernandez when he maybe didn't need to. Still looks hesitant on the ball in possession which doesn't help with the De Zerbi way of playing. 5

Micky van de Ven

Started the game well before picking up a booking before the break. Didn't do much wrong and tried to make up for Danso leaving Santos but couldn't get across in time. Furious with Kolo Muani for his pass and dragged down in the box by Cucurella but the officials decided the ball wasn't in play yet. 7

Destiny Udogie

His link-up with Tel struggled to ignite down the left with the pair often on different wavelengths. Came off in the triple change. 5

Joao Palhinha

Should have closed down Fernandez quicker before his goalbound shot and like Danso his hesitancy in passing doesn't suit the playing style. 5

Rodrigo Bentancur

The calmest Spurs player on the pitch for much of the game and unfortunate to be on the losing side. 7

Randal Kolo Muani

Looked to have the beating of Cucurella early in the game but soon vanished from the encounter before reemerging for the horrendous pass that put Chelsea away for their second goal. It could be so costly. 3

Conor Gallagher

Booed from the off by his old fans, he worked hard but with little attacking output in the 10 role. 5

Mathys Tel

Sent an early header against the left-hand post and another effort over in the first half. Quieter in the second half and switched to the right late on. 6

Richarlison

Isolated too often in the first half and wasteful with headers early in the second half but he came alive after grabbed his 11th Premier League goal of the season with a back post finish from Sarr's backheel. Needed more support for much of the game but finished it well. 7

Subs

James Maddison

Had such a big moment in the 83rd minute but his shot was blocked in front of goal. Sent a late free-kick over. 5

Djed Spence

A bright cameo down the left in the final 20 minutes or so. 6

Pape Matar Sarr

Former Chelsea star Pat Nevin believes missing out on the Champions League could really hurt the Blues.

Speaking to Grosvenor Casinos, Nevin said:

"I found it very interesting when Todd Boehly first came in. A lot of decisions made then I didn’t agree with. However, that doesn't make it wrong. But in football you need to keep the money coming in. If you're not in Champions’ League, and if you give such long contracts then there’s a problem. Chelsea were also very open about the use of algorithms and the data, which is fine. But if there is a feeling within the club or within the group, that they don't care about people, then you’ve lost them. However good the strategy looks, if you don't consider the human side, they notice this. Football fans aren't stupid. So, they find themselves now in position where they've had a terrible run. They've spent £1.8 billion on players. And then you look at the squad, and you go, ‘Really?’

"You’ve got to look at base of it. And the base of it is the finance. Does it still work? They're not going to be in Champions’ League next season by the looks of things. That's worrying. That is really concerning. You start looking at the players you bought, that you were expecting to sell at a profit and ask yourself, ‘Are you going to get a profit from most of them?’ The answer is ‘No, probably not.’ They've sold off the women's team, they've sold off the hotels and a lot of the young players who came through like Tino Livramento, and you think, ‘Wait a minute. That’s family silver. Be careful where that’s going.’ Chelsea are in an interesting place."

Joao Pedro and Levi Colwill have been left out of the matchday squad for Chelsea's clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

Joao Pedro suffered a knock ahead of Chelsea's clash against Tottenham Hotspur, football.london understands. The Blues striker was one of three big names to be left out of the matchday squad at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, with Malo Gusto and Levi Colwill also missing out.

The Chelsea right-back sustained a minor injury in the days building up to the match, while the Cobham graduate was rested, having only recently returned to action following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Earlier this month, Colwill, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on the first day of pre-season training in early August, made his first start for Chelsea in almost a year. He helped the Blues salvage a point against Liverpool at Anfield.

A week later, the England international started – and finished – the FA Cup final. Despite Colwill's best efforts, he couldn't lead Chelsea to victory at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

With only a couple of days to prepare for the clash against the Lilywhites, the 23-year-old centre-half was omitted from the matchday squad due to load management. Speaking to reporters at Cobham on Monday morning, Calum McFarlane provided an update on Colwill.

The interim Blues boss said: "Yeah, we need to be careful with Levi. He's obviously come in the back of a very serious injury. He's performed well in those two games.

"We'll see how he looks today, we'll see how he reports, and we'll make a decision on that. But definitely, I agree, we have to manage him right."

McFarlane later added: "Yeah, it's been great to have Levi back. Great for English football as well. I think we've got a really, really talented, really high-potential player here, and injuries are a part of it, and he's shown really good mental strength and character to come through that and perform away at Anfield and in an FA Cup final.

"So yeah, really, really excited about Levi. He's added a lot to the team, not just on the pitch but off the pitch as well. So it's been a brilliant two games for him, and hopefully he can finish the season strong."

Having lost to Pep Guardiola's side in the FA Cup final, Chelsea can now only qualify for either of UEFA's three club competitions via the Premier League. On how motivated the Blues are to climb the table and seal European football, McFarlane said: "Yeah, we're very, very focused.

"We need to win the next two games to give ourselves the best chance to finish as high up in the league as possible and get European football. That is our only focus in doing our job and putting in the performance we need to be a good side."

McFarlane added: "I think the players have shown in the last two games that their fight and their heart has been questioned at times. I think they've shown in the last two games that, for me, that's not an issue.

"Everyone knows the rivalry between Chelsea and Tottenham, but ultimately, both teams have got a lot to play for. So I don't think we're going to have to do anything extra special to motivate the lads.

"We need six points from our next two games. I think they need a point to almost guarantee safety. So both teams are fighting at different parts of the table, but both teams are fighting for the point.

"So we shouldn't need to add any extra motivation. But it will naturally be there with a London derby between Chelsea and Tottenham."

Here's the Tottenham team that Roberto De Zerbi has selected to face Chelsea in the Premier League on Tuesday evening

Roberto De Zerbi has made a big goalkeeping decision as Tottenham take on Chelsea in the Premier League on Tuesday night.

Spurs go into the encounter at Stamford Bridge knowing that they need just one point from either of their remaining two matches to keep them in the top flight, barring an incredible goal difference swing after West Ham's 3-1 loss at Newcastle. A rare victory at the Bridge would guarantee Tottenham's spot in the top flight next season but it would be only their second win there in the Premier League era.

Spurs are four matches unbeaten under De Zerbi and have had eight days to prepare and recover while their hosts come into the game three days after their Saturday's FA Cup defeat to Manchester City at Wembley.

De Zerbi's big decision came with Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario available after returning to training following his hernia surgery, but with Vicario not sharp yet and Antonin Kinsky in good form, the head coach has stuck with the young Czech and Vicario takes a spot on the bench.

Elsewhere the Italian has kept with the same team that won at Aston Villa and drew against Leeds. James Maddison overcame a little problem earlier in the week and has trained well in recent days so could get more than the 20 minutes he came back with against Leeds.

Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani form part of the attacking three after missing out on the Brazil and France World Cup squads respectively.

Here's the Tottenham team De Zerbi has selected to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge:

With a miserable 2025/26 campaign coming to its conclusion, Chelsea's sporting directors have released a lengthy statement ahead of this evening's Premier League clash with Tottenham

Chelsea's Sporting Leadership team have accepted they "must do better" in the future and have acknowledged the standards of the club have not been met this season.

The Blues will finish the campaign trophy-less after two managerial changes throughout the season. Enzo Maresca left in January after falling out with the club's board, before his successor Liam Rosenior was sacked in April after less than four months in the dugout.

After winning the Conference League and Club World Cup last season, Chelsea will finish this season without a trophy and are unlikely to qualify for next season's Champions League. European football is still on the radar of the Blues, but the five-strong team of sporting directors - Laurence Stewart, Paul Winstanley, Joe Shields, Sam Jewell and Dave Fallows - have accepted this is not good enough in relation to the club's high standards.

FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

The Sporting Leadership team have released a lengthy letter - consisting of over 850 words - in the matchday programme ahead of this evening's Premier League fixture with Tottenham.

The letter read: "As we welcome you to Stamford Bridge for one final time this season, in a game that always carries special meaning, we do so mindful that this is the point at which a campaign is ultimately defined.

"This season has been one that has demanded resilience, belief and unity. Across the men's, women's and Academy teams, our players and staff have continued to represent this club with commitment and purpose, while striving every day to push standards higher. The journey of a season is rarely straightforward, but progress is best measured by how a group responds to challenge, and in that sense we have continued to grow.

"At the same time, we are clear in our assessment of the campaign as a whole. It began in strong fashion, with the club crowned world champions at the FIFA Club World Cup. While we are proud of that success, and what it represents for this group, we recognise that the season overall has not met the standards, expectations or ambitions that define Chelsea Football Club.

"We understand the disappointment that brings, and we share it. This is a club that measures itself against the very highest levels, and we know we must do better. That responsibility is very clear, and it is one we fully accept. The club's supporters expect more, and so do we.

"We remain clear in our ambition for Chelsea Football Club. Our aim is to build teams that compete with courage and intelligence, bravery and unity, while establishing foundations that endure beyond a single season. That approach has guided our recruitment, our development strategy and the alignment between the Academy and the first teams.

"Creating sustainable success means investing in talent, but also in time, structure and shared values. No club wants to experience change in the head coach position, and we are continuing to work to bring stability to that role.

"With that in mind, we were delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Manager of the Men's Team on Sunday. Xabi is one of the most respected figures in the modern game and will begin work with us this summer having already experienced coaching at the highest level of European football with Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen.

"He is not only an outstanding coach but also a proven leader, and we are thoroughly looking forward to working closely with him. Please join us in giving Xabi a warm welcome to the Chelsea family.

"Before then, we look forward to tonight's London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, as the men's team looks to end the Premier League season strongly after narrowly missing out on silverware by finishing runner-up in Saturday's FA Cup final.

"Thanks must go to Calum [McFarlane] and his staff for their efforts after stepping up from the Academy this season - a symbol of the pathway both on and off the pitch. Expectations at Chelsea are always to be competing at the top of the Premier League and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League at this stage of the season. That has not changed. Everyone at this club is doing everything they can to correct that next year."

On the women's and academy team, the sporting directors added: "Sonia [Bompastor] has set such high standards for Chelsea Women and that success is underlined by the fact winning a single trophy is a below-par season for the team. We are still proud of the achievements and know that the work being done now is providing the foundations for Chelsea Women to maintain our place as the leaders and trailblazers in the sport.

"We want to give a special mention and thanks to captain Millie Bright who announced her retirement last month, as well as Sam Kerr who played her final game for the club on Saturday, fittingly scoring the winner and equalling a club record of 116 goals.

"Millie's service to Chelsea, winning 20 trophies and making 314 appearances over 12 years, cements her place in the history of the club, and we were proud to unveil her tribute on the Shed Wall this week. Both Millie and Sam will forever be Chelsea legends.

"Again this season, the Academy has taken meaningful steps in their journey, reinforcing our belief that Cobham will continue to be central to the club's future. Teams and individuals have progressed, with the Under-21s crowned Premier League 2 champions and the Under-18s clinched the Premier League South title, as well as significant success throughout the age groups.

"Special congratulations goes to Shim Mheuka who was named PL2 Player of the Season last week. Providing pathways and opportunity for young players is a tangible part of how we intend to compete at the highest level. We are proud of the progress shown and determined to see that work continue.

"For those of you that will be travelling to Sunderland for the final game of the season, we look forward to seeing you there and hope it is an enjoyable and successful trip. Otherwise, we hope you all have a relaxing summer break before we return in August for the new season. Thank you so much for your loyal support in 2025/26."

Here's the Tottenham team we reckon Roberto De Zerbi will select to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Tuesday

Roberto De Zerbi must pick the Tottenham starting line-up that he believes can take home the required points from Chelsea to keep the club in the Premier League.

Spurs need just a single point from either of their remaining two matches to keep them in the Premier League, barring a remarkable goal difference swing after West Ham's 3-1 defeat at Newcastle, while a victory would guarantee their place in the top flight next season.

Tottenham have won only once at Chelsea in the Premier League era but come into the game on a four-match unbeaten streak under De Zerbi. They have had eight days to prepare and recover while their hosts come into the game three days after their Saturday's FA Cup defeat to Manchester City at Wembley.

While Dominic Solanke is not yet back from his hamstring issue with De Zerbi saying he did not want to risk the striker, Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is available after returning to training following his hernia surgery.

When football.london asked the Tottenham boss how difficult his decision was with Vicario not sharp yet and Antonin Kinsky in good form, De Zerbi said: "No it's not difficult. It's easy. Yes, Vicario is number one but we have to consider the physical condition, the moment, everything, but I have a big relationship with Antonin Kinsky and Vicario as well and there will not be any problem."

With that he appeared to suggest that he would stick with Kinsky between the sticks over the returning Vicario, which makes sense because the Czech is sharp and in good form while the Italian would be coming in cold with plenty of pressure on him to show the same level.

Elsewhere it's difficult to see what De Zerbi would change about the team that started at Leeds because it's the same one that performed in the right way in the away game at Aston Villa and they need another hard-working display on the road. Keeping consistency with the selection can only help the players with those patterns of play and understanding of an albeit compromised version of De Zerbi's football.

James Maddison overcame a little problem earlier in the week and has trained well in recent days so the 29-year-old could get more than the 20 minutes he returned for against Leeds, which could be important later in the night if Spurs can keep the game tight.

Here's the Tottenham team we reckon De Zerbi will select at Stamford Bridge:

Jamie Carragher delivered a priceless reaction to Patrick Viera's comments on Tottenham as Spurs battle with West Ham to stay in the Premier League

Arsenal legend Patrick Viera has expressed his disappointment that Tottenham's relegation rivals West Ham United are in pole position to get relegated from the Premier League.

Following Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Newcastle, the Hammers sit 18th, two points from safety and will be relegated if Tottenham beat Chelsea on Tuesday night. Should Spurs find a draw at Stamford Bridge, it will all-but relegate Nuno Espirito Santo's side due to their inferior goal difference.

Analysing the relegation battle ahead of Arsenal's game against Burnley on Monday Night Football, Viera admitted he is " quite sad" that West Ham are facing the threat of going down to the Championship.

As Chelsea were in action against Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday, their home game against Tottenham was rearranged for this Tuesday, leaving Spurs with two more games to end the season.

When asked if he thinks Tottenham can get a positive result against Chelsea on Tuesday, Viera said on Sky Sports: "I think Spurs can get something at Stamford Bridge."

Viera then switched his attention to Spurs' relegation rivals West Ham and added: "I think the games West Ham lost have been too much for them, and now going down. I feel disappointed because it's a big club, a huge club in England. To see them in that position is quite sad, but I think it's too late for them to survive."

But, just after Viera said he is sad that West Ham are in the relegation zone, Jamie Carragher gave a priceless reaction, rolling his eyes to the side and seemed in disbelief that he made the comments.

Spurs make the trip to Chelsea on Tuesday looking to extend their unbeaten run to five matches, after picking up eight points from their last four in the top flight. Speaking pre-match, head coach Roberto De Zerbi is confident his side can collect a positive result in west London.

"We have to play with confidence because in the last four games, the last five games with me, because we didn't deserve to lose the game in Sunderland, but in the last four we made eight points," De Zerbi said.

"And if you analyse the performance, I think we could make more points than eight, and for that we have to be confident, be positive. Anyway, we can't forget one month ago what was the situation.

"We are not safe yet, it's tough in the Premier League. Making one point is tough because all teams fight on the pitch, all teams are very tough to beat, but we have the quality enough and we have to show the quality with the right mentality, the right spirit. I want to see courage on the pitch, try (to have) the condition to win the game, like in the last period."

The Tottenham Hotspur head coach has been speaking about the desire of many to see them get relegated from the Premier League

Roberto De Zerbi has put off transfer talk with Spurs CEO Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange and claims that because he's Italian he understands why everyone wants to see Tottenham relegated.

The 46-year-old has picked up sorry Spurs since taking over, leading them on an unbeaten four-game run while West Ham have lost three on the trot. That means the north London outfit are just a single point from all but securing their Premier League safety. Tottenham travel to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night looking to pick up some rare points at Chelsea to consign the Hammers to the Championship.

De Zerbi has always maintained that everyone would rather see Spurs go down for the spectacle of it and he believes his nationality has given him as good an insight into why as anybody.

"I am Italian and in Italy, it’s the same. For the biggest teams, it's the same. We have to accept the pressure," he said. "We have to enjoy this pressure. We have to find new motivation from this pressure. I think it's a good thing for us. If everyone wants Tottenham relegated, it's a big motivation for me, and I hope for my players as well."

The Spurs boss wants his team to imagine picking up a rare victory against their rivals at Stamford Bridge, a venue they have only won one league game at in the Premier League era.

"We have to accept that football is nice because of the rivalry. It's good to imagine ourselves celebrating the win in their stadium," he said. "It's the reason football is like this, no? It's a motivation, it's a challenge. If a challenge is tougher, it's better for us to find new motivation and to be focused on staying together from the beginning to the end of the game."

Even though Spurs and Chelsea top the disciplinary tables this season, De Zerbi is not anticipating a repeat of the infamous Battle of the Bridge when Tottenham's Premier League title challenge ended in May 2016 against Chelsea amid four goals, 12 yellow cards and melees aplenty.

"Always calm with blood. With blood, with personality with the right spirit, but calm and focus just on the game," he said. "Because also the chance to score for Leeds [late on], when Kinsky saved. No, we went too strong, too fast, too strong on the ball and sometimes we have to be more calm."

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

The same will have to apply to De Zerbi as the Italian is already on two yellow cards, picked up in both his home games against Brighton and Leeds, and another booking against Chelsea would rule him out of the dugout for a potentially crucial final day meeting with Everton.

"I don't play normally! I don't play on the pitch, and I have to be my myself. And normally, this (calm) is my behavior on the bench," said the head coach.

De Zerbi said that if Spurs stay up this season it will be all down to the players efforts in turning things around.

"They worked very well every day during the week. In football there are no secrets. The secret in football is working hard during the week, improving all characteristics to play a good game, style of play, offensive and defensive phases, the right player in the right position, increase the confidence, make individual meetings with the players, but there are no secrets," he explained.

"The players deserve to make the points and stay up because they have suffered a lot and right now they are suffering for the situation but in the end I think they deserve to be happy."

Can Spurs play for the draw at Stamford Bridge that would keep them up?

"No, no. Stop. We can't start the game thinking to draw. We have to start the game, and we prepare the game, and we speak in the meeting, to win the games. Both games," he said. "And then football is… we don’t know. But for sure we try to win."

Chelsea will have a new man at the helm this summer in the shape of Xabi Alonso and the Spaniard has been given the title of manager rather than head coach. De Zerbi, who was appointed head coach at Spurs, was asked what he thought about the difference in job title and perceived extra power in making decisions, including with transfers.

"I don't know. I think every coach wants to be important in the transfer market, to find the connection with the sporting director, with the board of the club, because everyone works for the good of the club, not for ourselves. But it’s not important now," he said.

football.london reporters select their Tottenham starting XIs for the Premier League trip to Chelsea

One point will effectively secure Tottenham's Premier League status for next season but they will be dreaming of recording a big win at Stamford Bridge against London rivals Chelsea.

Roberto De Zerbi has already warned his players they are "not safe yet," and while that remains true, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel for the Europa League winners.

There are a few key selection decisions for the Italian to make following last week's 1-1 draw against Leeds but it seems unlikely we will see too many changes.

football.london reporters Alasdair Gold and Ryan Taylor pick their starting XIs for the contest.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

Alasdair Gold - Tottenham correspondent

De Zerbi appeared to suggest that he would stick with Antonin Kinsky between the sticks over the returning Guglielmo Vicario and that's the right decision.

The Czech is sharp and in good form and the Italian would be coming in cold with plenty of pressure on him to show the same level.

Elsewhere I wouldn't change anything about the team as it's the same one that performed in the right way in the away game at Aston Villa.

Keeping some consistency with the selection can only help the players with their patterns of play and understanding of playing this slightly compromised version of De Zerbi's football.

James Maddison overcame a little problem earlier in the week and has trained well in recent days so could get more than the 20 minutes he got against Leeds, which could be important if Spurs can keep the game tight.

Gold's team: (4-2-3-1) Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kolo Muani, Gallagher, Tel; Richarlison.

Ryan Taylor

Tottenham may not have won against Leeds but there has been a familiarity about the team in recent weeks.

For that reason, it makes no sense to twist, particularly in goal, even if Guglielmo Vicario is back available.

Roberto De Zerbi makes no secret of the fact the Italian is his No.1 but Antonin Kinsky has been excellent in his absence and looks really comfortable between the sticks.

I'd keep him and the rest of the team the same because they're all in sync, have built relationships on the pitch over the past month and are putting points on the board.

I don't think James Maddison will be ready to start and there's no point throwing him into a game like this where the tackles will be flying in.

Spurs need to protect him, though his quality did shine through last week at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Maybe he can up it to 30 minutes from the bench depending on the context of the game.