De Zerbi says Spurs ‘can’t think about’ playing for a draw against Chelsea | OneFootball

Roberto De Zerbi says the chance to beat rivals Chelsea is an added motivation for his Spurs players as they look to stay in the Premier League.

Tottenham can confirm their place in the Premier League next season with a win against Chelsea on Tuesday night after West Ham were beaten 3-1 by Newcastle at St James’ Park.

Before the Italian took the job, Spurs were in the relegation zone, but after seven points from his last three games they have gone above West Ham, who only have one game left to play.

Spurs and Chelsea are London rivals and have played out some fiery matches in the past including the ‘Battle of the Bridge’ where a Chelsea fight back ensured that Spurs could no longer win the league title in 2016.

De Zerbi was asked whether that rivalry is something he is concerned about going into the clash.

“We have to accept the pressure,” he answered. “We have to enjoy this pressure, we have to find new motivation for this pressure. I think it’s a good thing for us. 

“If everyone wants Tottenham to get relegated, that’s a big motivation for me and I hope for my players as well. 

“We have to accept that football rivalries in football are nice. It’s good to imagine ourselves celebrating the win in the stadium. It’s a motivation, it’s a challenge.”

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Because of Spurs’ superior goal difference, they most likely only need a draw to stay up this season. De Zerbi was asked if his side may think about playing for a stalemate.

“No, no. Stop,” he said. “We can’t start the game thinking to draw. We have to start the game and we prepare the game and we speak in the meeting to win the games, we don’t know, but for sure we will try to win.”

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