De Zerbi Admits Relegation Fear Impacting Tottenham Players

• Tottenham drop into relegation zone after defeat at Sunderland
• Roberto De Zerbi highlights mental pressure affecting performances
• Injury concern for Cristian Romero adds to Spurs’ problems

Roberto De Zerbi has admitted the threat of relegation is weighing heavily on his Tottenham Hotspur players after a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland.

A deflected second-half goal condemned Spurs to their 16th league loss of the season and left them in the bottom three for the first time this campaign. It is a stark position for a club of Tottenham’s stature, and the mood reflects it.

“I think the fear is there,” De Zerbi said. “During the week they play better because their heads are clean. In the game, it is different.”

There is a difference between ability and expression. De Zerbi sees the quality in training. What he is trying to unlock is the confidence to show it when it matters.

Tottenham have now gone 105 days without a league win. That number alone tells its own story. Form becomes pressure, pressure becomes doubt, and doubt spreads quickly through a team.

De Zerbi, in his first match since taking charge, is already dealing with the psychological side as much as the tactical one.

“My job is to give confidence,” he said. “If we win one game, everything can look different.”

There were further concerns with Cristian Romero forced off in distress after a collision with goalkeeper Antonín Kinský. The defender left the pitch in tears, and while the extent of the injury is unclear, De Zerbi did not hide its potential significance.

“He is a crucial player for us,” he said. “We need him for the rest of the season.”

Tottenham’s situation is now simple, even if the solution is not. They need a win. Not a performance, not encouragement, but a result.

De Zerbi insists he will not abandon his principles, but he knows the immediate challenge is mental as much as anything else.

“We are in a difficult moment,” he said. “But we have the quality to change everything.”

That belief will be tested quickly.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.