The Italian coach of the Tottenham team, Roberto De Zerbi, called on his players to play with “blood, character and spirit”, in light of the team’s struggle to avoid its first relegation in 49 years, before facing its guest Everton, on Sunday, in the competitions of the thirty-eighth and final stage of the English Premier League.
A draw against Everton would be enough, to a large extent, to save 17th-placed Spurs, as 18th-placed West Ham are two points behind, with a much worse goal difference.
West Ham, led by its Portuguese coach Nuno Espirito Santo, will host Leeds United at the London Stadium on the same day. All ten matches will start at 15:00 GMT.
De Zerbe said in his press conference before the match on Friday: “We have to play with blood, with character, and with spirit, because it is a final match.”
He added: “They played in a major final last season (in the European League) and won a title. Perhaps there was an additional incentive. (Sunday) There is no title, and there is no reward.”
He continued: “There is something more important than the title and reward. There is the future of the club, the history of the club, the pride of the players, and the pride of the players’ families. There is dignity for each one of us.”
Argentine captain Christian Romero will miss the decisive match due to injury. He returned to Argentina, which angered Tottenham fans.
De Zerbe, who was appointed coach in late March to try to save Tottenham after a disastrous season, said he understood “100 percent” the fans’ reaction.
He explained: “The decision was in the hands of the medical staff, and I do not think whether Romero’s presence on the field tomorrow or not will change anything.”
He added: “In the end, I do not have time to waste energy or think about other things. We just have to be focused on the match, and I think we have good enough players to achieve our goal.”
When asked again whether Romero played his last match with Spurs, De Zerbe said: “I don’t know. “I think Christian is a great player, and with me he was a great person.”
He continued: “And when I say a wonderful person, I am sure of what I am saying. As for the future, I do not know.”
For his part, West Ham coach Nuno Santo said that Sunday’s match at home will be the most important in his 14-year coaching career, with the club seeking to achieve victory.
He said: “We represent a big club, a huge club, with a huge fan base that we must respect and strive to make happy.”
He added: “They will be present from the first minute, I assure you of that.” Then it is up to us to provide what ensures the continuation of this support.”
