Spurs must banish 'loser' mentality despite injury woes, says De Zerbi
Tottenham Hotspur's Italian head coach Roberto De Zerbi applauds fans on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton and Hove Albion at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on April 18, 2026. The game finished 2-2.
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De Zerbi's side ended a 118-day wait for a league win at already-relegated Wolves last weekend, but lost Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke to injuries in the process.
Tottenham are stuck in the relegation zone, two points adrift of safety, with only four games to left to save themselves from the humiliation of playing in the second tier for the first time since 1977-78.
"It is not the best moment for us, it is a tough and difficult moment," De Zerbi said ahead of Sunday's trip to Aston Villa.
"But the losers cry, the losers think negative. I don't want people close to me to be crying or think in a different way from me."
Europa League semi-finalists Villa can secure a top-five finish and Champions League qualification this weekend if results go their way.
But De Zerbi insisted Tottenham do not need "a miracle" at Villa Park given the quality he still has at his disposal.
"We go to play against one of the best teams at the moment in the Premier League. I have big respect for (Unai) Emery as a coach but if Tottenham win in Villa Park it is not a miracle," the Italian said.
"We have to be positive and (feel) lucky because we are working in a big club.
"If Solanke and Simons are injured we can play with (Randal) Kolo Muani, (Mathys) Tel, Richarlison and they are not worse players. They are different with characteristics but very good players."
De Zerbi confirmed goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario remains absent after a hernia operation, while Cristian Romero, Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski are also sidelined.
The Tottenham boss is hopeful James Maddison can play a part in the final weeks of the season.
The midfielder has been included on the bench for the past two games but is yet to make his first appearance since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament tear in pre-season.
"I would like to play with him because he is a special player, but we have to consider the physical condition and a lot of things," said De Zerbi.
"But I think he can be important in the next (last) three games."
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