Tottenham Hotspur boss Roberto De Zerbi has claimed his team’s battle to avoid relegation is more important than silverware after Spurs slipped to [a damaging 2-1 defeat against Chelsea](https://footballtoday.com/2026/05/19/chelsea-2-1-tottenham-santos-strike-keeps-blues-european-hopes-alive-as-spurs-remain-in-danger/).
Tottenham travelled across London knowing victory would secure their Premier League status for another season.
Even a draw would have left Spurs in a commanding position, given their superior goal difference over 18th-placed West Ham United.
Instead, defeat has dragged Spurs into a nervy final-day showdown.
Spurs now sit only two points above the relegation zone heading into Sunday’s home clash with Everton, while West Ham host Leeds United at the same time.
De Zerbi cut an emotional figure after the match and refused to be drawn into controversy surrounding a second-half incident involving Marc Cucurella and Micky Van de Ven.
The Chelsea defender escaped with only a booking after appearing to haul Van de Ven down inside the area during a corner, with officials ruling the ball was not in play.
The Italian tactician insisted Tottenham’s survival fight was the only issue that mattered.
“Sunday is the final for Tottenham,” De Zerbi said (via [his club’s website](https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/spursplay/video/960586/we-have-to-stay-strong-the-spirit-was-good-de-zerbi-reflects-on-loss-at-chelsea)).
“The most important game is Sunday because last season they played for the trophy, now we play for something more important than the trophy.
“The pride, the history of the club, the dignity are more important than the trophy.”
De Zerbi added that his entire focus over the past six weeks has been on ensuring Spurs remain in the top flight.
He insists his players understand the magnitude of the situation despite their poor form.
Tottenham head into the final weekend winless in their last two matches and with pressure mounting around the club.
Midfielder James Maddison, recently back from a long-term ACL injury, admitted the club’s position is unacceptable and a little bit embarrassing.
For a club that lifted the Europa League only a year ago, the prospect of relegation now hangs heavily over north London.