Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has dismissed any talk of a crisis at the club, insisting his squad has enough quality to avoid relegation despite a mounting injury list. Speaking ahead of Sunday's crucial trip to Aston Villa, De Zerbi confirmed Dominic Solanke will miss the match with a hamstring problem and is doubtful for the remainder of the season. The Italian also revealed that Xavi Simons has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, ruling him out long-term.
De Zerbi, who secured his first win as Spurs boss last weekend against Wolves, is without at least nine first-team players. Guglielmo Vicario remains sidelined after hernia surgery, while James Maddison is unlikely to start but may feature among the substitutes for his leadership. On a positive note, Destiny Udogie and Pape Sarr are expected to return to the squad.
However, De Zerbi refused to use injuries as an excuse. “The most important challenge now is to silence the voice inside of us, inside the players, the staff and the fans,” he said. “This voice can produce negative thoughts. It says: ‘We are unlucky, we have too many injuries, we lost Xavi Simons – one of our best players – our medical staff is not good enough, the pitch is not good.’ It is all negative things. And it is rubbish.”
He added: “If Tottenham win at Villa Park, it is not a miracle. We have the quality to win. If Solanke and Xavi are injured, we can play with Kolo Muani, Mathys Tel, Richarlison – they are not worse players. We have Pedro Porro, Udogie, van de Ven, Bentancur, Palhinha, Gallagher. The losers cry. The losers think negative. I don’t want people close to me crying.”
Liverpool’s Slot Accepts Pressure; Salah ‘at Peace’ with Exit
Arne Slot has acknowledged that Liverpool have much to prove in their final four games, despite being close to securing Champions League qualification. The Reds travel to Old Trafford on Sunday, where a win would see them leapfrog Manchester United into third place. However, they will be without Mohamed Salah, who has scored 16 goals in 18 appearances against United.
Slot said: “We as a team still have something to prove, and I am part of the team, so that means I have something to prove as well. If a player won the Premier League for the last five years, he still needs to show up every week to stay in the team. That is how this industry works.” He also highlighted the need to sign a replacement for Salah who can bring the best out of Alexander Isak.
Meanwhile, Salah has confirmed he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, stating he is “at peace” with his decision. In an interview with Steven Gerrard on TNT Sports, the Egyptian said: “I feel to go through the season this is the right thing to do now, and I have peace with it. The season was tough for all of us... I’m glad that I’m leaving now through a big door – leave on my own terms.”
Carrick: Liverpool Clash a ‘Different Ball Game’
Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick has described Sunday’s meeting with Liverpool as a “different ball game”, irrespective of league positions. United sit third on 61 points, just three ahead of Liverpool, but Carrick insists the fixture retains its historic significance. “The league position is what it is, but Sunday’s a whole different ball game,” he said. “It’s one of my favourite games – a standout. There’s big games and big rivalries, but this one is right up there in the history between us.”
Pereira: Forest May Need 43 Points to Stay Up
Nottingham Forest head coach Vítor Pereira has predicted that a record 43 points may be required to avoid relegation this season. Forest currently sit five points clear of 18th-placed Tottenham with four games remaining, but Pereira warned his side must stay focused. “That’s why we need to be mentally ready to compete until the last minute of the last game,” he said. Forest face Chelsea on Monday, while Pereira joked that watching rivals’ results could ruin his lunch.
Chelsea Interim Manager: Club Still Attractive for Top Managers
Interim Chelsea boss Calum McFarlane has insisted the club remains an attractive destination for top managers, despite a turbulent season. Chelsea are searching for their sixth permanent manager since the BlueCo takeover in 2022. McFarlane, who has led the Blues to the FA Cup final, said: “I don’t think I have to sell that – it’s one of the biggest clubs in the world, with a great history of winning. We’ve got some unbelievable players, great training facilities – everything you could want.” Chelsea are eighth in the Premier League, 10 points off fifth place with four games left.
