Roberto De Zerbi insists his team can win all five of their remaining games in the Premier League to pull clear of the relegation zone.
Tottenham sensed their first victory of 2026 when a wonder strike by Xavi Simons fired them ahead late on against Brighton, only for Georginio Rutter to make it 2-2 in the 95th minute after an error by Kevin Danso.
That meant Spurs ended Saturday in the relegation zone, one point behind West Ham and having played a game more.
But De Zerbi said: ‘It is not finished yet. We know it is tough, a difficult situation but there are another five games, 15 points and this team is able to win five games in a row. Now it is difficult to hear my words but watch the players and analyse their level, we can win five in a row.
‘I am not being arrogant because I am not arrogant, especially now but we have the qualities to fight and win games in a row.
‘They do not have to think. They have to follow me and listen. I am proud of the performance. They all gave their best, with the right mentality, the right blood and character. I am disappointed only for the result and for my players and the fans, because it was an incredible atmosphere in a very tough situation. The stadium was amazing.’
Spurs go to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday and De Zerbi ordered his players to report for training on Monday with smiles on their faces.
‘I have no time to see negative people, sad players or sad assistants,’ said the Italian. ‘We have to be positive. I don’t like people who cry and think in a negative way. They have to be strong, focus on the Wolves game and come to the training ground with a smile, otherwise they will go home immediately.’
He praised Simons and promised there will be more to come from his Dutch playmaker, and he refused to criticise Danso for the late mistake.
‘Danso played a fantastic game,’ said De Zerbi. ‘He lost the ball and we conceded the goal, but I prefer to make mistakes with the personality to play than to concede without personality and courage. We need to play football with the ball not to stay and defend.’
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler applauded his team’s ‘resilience’ and ‘belief’ and backed Spurs to get out of trouble.
‘I could have told you before the game, they have individual quality, unbelievable players in their squad,’ said Hurzeler. ‘In their front line, they have players who can make a difference in one action. They have enough quality to make it happen. Let’s see.
‘We didn’t reach our highest standards. You can say we caused our own problems. We gave them presents but, in the end, it’s our style of play and it’s how you react and we reacted well.’
