With a 17th-place finish and 38 points, Tottenham are clinging to survival in the Premier League, just two points ahead of West Ham United (18th, 36 points), the first team in the relegation zone. The North London side now face a must-win match against Everton at 5 PM on Sunday, while West Ham host Leeds United in a simultaneous fixture that could further complicate Tottenham’s hopes.

De Zerbi, 46, drew a clear line between past glory and present necessity. “Sunday is the final for us. Not against Manchester United in Bilbao last season in the Europa League final. The most important match is Sunday.” He emphasized values beyond trophies: “Now we’re playing for something bigger than a trophy. It’s about the pride of the club, its history, its dignity.”

Nearly a year ago to the day, Tottenham salvaged a disastrous Premier League campaign by beating Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final—their first major title since 2008. Instead of building on that momentum, however, the club has spiraled downward this season and faces the unthinkable: relegation to the Championship for the first time since 1977.

“Everyone is focused on the goal. They’ve worked hard all week, and we all want the same thing. I believe we’re playing a final on Sunday—it’s a crucial match, but at home. We have to keep fighting. It’s a huge day for us.”