De Zerbi underlines belief in Tottenham players after 1-1 draw with Brighton
TL;DR
Roberto De Zerbi remains optimistic about Tottenham players despite a frustrating 1-1 draw with Brighton, marking his continued search for a first victory as head coach. The draw feels like a defeat due to late goals conceded, complicating Spurs' relegation battle.
Key points
- Roberto De Zerbi is Tottenham's head coach.
- Tottenham drew 1-1 with Brighton.
- De Zerbi has yet to secure a victory as head coach.
- Late goals conceded complicated Tottenham's relegation battle.
- There are five games left in the season.
Mentioned in this story
De Zerbi underlines belief in Tottenham players after 1-1 draw with Brighton
Roberto De Zerbi’s wait for a first victory as Tottenham head coach goes on after a maddening 2-2 draw with Brighton at a packed stadium, a result that felt like a defeat given the manner in which the points were conceded, with goals for the visitors arriving in the final moments of both halves to deny Spurs what would have been a crucial win in their battle against relegation.
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Despite the frustration, De Zerbi refused to allow negativity to take hold, delivering a characteristically passionate and defiant assessment of where his side stand with five games remaining.
“I’m very proud because the players gave their best, with the right mentality, the right blood, the right character,” he said, with quotes via Football.London.
“I’m disappointed only for the result, for my players and for the fans, because the atmosphere was incredible. In a very tough situation, the stadium was amazing.”
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 25: Roberto De Zerbi, head coach of Olympique de Marseille looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Olympique de Marseille and Newcastle United FC at Stade de Marseille on November 25, 2025 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
De Zerbi: ‘Spurs can win five games in a row’
On Danso’s error that led to Brighton’s late equaliser, De Zerbi was protective of his player.
“I prefer to make mistakes with the personality to play than to concede a goal without personality or courage,” he said. “Now we need courage. To win games we have to be positive and play football.”
His ambition for what remains of the season may have raised eyebrows, but it was delivered with total conviction.
“This team is able to win five games in a row,” he said. “Now it is difficult to hear my words, but if you analyse the level of these players, we have the quality to fight and win games consecutively.”
His message to any player tempted to feel sorry for themselves was equally direct.
“They have to come to the training ground on Monday with a smile, otherwise they go home. I have no time for negative people or sad players. We are lucky to be working at a big club in the Premier League. Be positive. Stop.”
Q&A
What did Roberto De Zerbi say after the draw with Brighton?
Roberto De Zerbi expressed his belief in the Tottenham players and delivered a passionate assessment despite the frustrating draw.
How does the draw with Brighton affect Tottenham's relegation battle?
The draw complicates Tottenham's relegation battle, as they missed a crucial opportunity to secure points against a rival.
How many games are left for Tottenham under De Zerbi?
Tottenham has five games remaining in the season under head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
