Tottenham Hotspur’s home clash with Everton on Sunday dwarfs the importance of last season’s Europa League final, manager Roberto de Zerbi said on Tuesday after defeat at Chelsea left his side in danger of Premier League relegation.
One point against Chelsea would have all but secured Tottenham’s survival and eased the pressure for the visit of Everton, but a 1-2 loss means IT could still be overtaken by 18th-placed West Ham United on the final day.
“Sunday is the final for Tottenham. Not Bilbao against Manchester United (in the Europa League last season). The most important game is Sunday,” said Italian De Zerbi. “Now we play for something more than a trophy.
“This is for the pride of the club and history. A trophy you can win and get one trophy more but this is more important. This is about dignity.”
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Almost a year ago to the day, Spurs salvaged another dreadful league season in which it finished 17th, yet beat United 1-0 in the Europa League final — the club’s first silverware since 2008.
Instead of being a springboard to better things though, Tottenham is now in serious danger of its first relegation since 1977, although a draw against Everton would be enough.
“I would like it if we play Sunday (against Everton) like the last 20 minutes (today), because in the last 20 minutes we showed more energy, more passion, something more inside of us,” he said.
“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.
“I think we play a final (on Sunday), an important game, but in our stadium … so we have to stay alive. But it is a big day for us.”
Published on May 20, 2026
