Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi insisted his team are fighting for something “more important than a trophy” as they look to secure Premier League survival on the final day of the season.
Spurs suffered a 2-1 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, meaning their fight against relegation goes down to a home clash against Everton on Sunday.
Despite the derby defeat, De Zerbi believes the club’s top-flight status, identity, and respect mean far more than picking up pieces of silverware.
“Sunday is the final,” De Zerbi said. “Next season, they play for the trophy. Now we play for something more important than a 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 with one trophy more. But the most important is to keep the dignity, to keep the pride.”
Tottenham fell behind to a brilliant opener from Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez and conceded a second before fighting back late on. Forward Richarlison missed a major opportunity, while winger Mathys Tel also went close early in the game.
De Zerbi was heartened by the spirit shown in the closing stages of the match and wants to see that same desperation from the first whistle at the weekend.
“I think we played a good game,” De Zerbi said. “We could have scored at the beginning of the game with Mathys Tel. We conceded a great goal from Enzo Fernandez, but I think we could do something better, especially on the second ball and long balls.
“I would like us to play Sunday like the last 20 minutes today, because in the last 20 minutes we showed more energy, more passion, more something more inside of us.”
The late rally coincided with the introduction of midfielder James Maddison from the substitutes’ bench.
However, De Zerbi admitted the England international is still being managed carefully after an injury layout.
Asked how much of the late impact was down to Maddison, De Zerbi replied: “Yes, but James cannot play more than 20 or 25 minutes. I have a medical staff behind me. I am not a doctor, I am not a physical coach, and I have to follow what they say.
“But I think we can stay up with James and without James.”