The risk of relegation has never been as clear as it is now for Tottenham Hotspur. The optimism when appointing a new coach praised as Roberto De Zerbi is now gradually becoming contrary to reality. One of the big teams in the Premier League can actually be relegated.
The 0-1 defeat to Sunderland means they will finish the round in the relegation zone for the first time this season, with only 6 more matches left. This is the first time they have been in the top three in the end of the season like this in Premier League history.
Spurs captain Cristian Romero left the field in tears, and some players, including Micky van de Ven, looked paralyzed when the final whistle sounded.
Facing the abyss, is the fear of relegation the problem for Tottenham?
I think so. If you ask me, I am 46 years old. I have more experience than the players, and I am completely optimistic because I understand what kind of people and players they are.
They have enough ability to win a match and the goal now is to win a match. Because if we win a match, we can see things differently" - De Zerbi admitted after the match.
Spurs have now gone through 105 days without a win in the league. The 14-match winless streak is their longest since 1935 and they were also relegated that year.
De Zerbi is a talented coach, but he is not a wizard. Before the match, he expressed hope that Spurs could ignite the top-notch attacking and dynamic spirit under Ange Postecoglou.
On the one hand, it is an effort to find recent inspiration, reminding a squad that is losing the spirit of the quality they once possessed. But on the other hand, it is also a sign of the dangerous cycle that Spurs are going through.
After all, the negative aspects in Postecoglou's risky playing style are part of the reason for Tottenham's current situation. Winning the UEFA Europa League, but last season they only ranked 17th in the Premier League and currently 18th.
De Zerbi wants the "Roosters" to think like a real big club. Randal Kolo Muani, Dominic Solanke and Richarlison for the first time started together in a Spurs match. While De Zerbi's predecessor, Igor Tudor, pursued pragmatism, the former Brighton coach wanted boldness, at least in team selection.
When mentioning the highlights in Postecoglou's style, De Zerbi mentioned Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie. Therefore, it can be seen that Tottenham's full-backs often push high and participate in attack - a characteristic of the "Angeball" style of play.
The combination between Conor Gallagher and Archie Gray in midfield also evokes the Thomas Frank period leading the team this season, a choice he initially applied after Gallagher joined in January before abandoning that plan. And that is also Tottenham's season story to this day. Coaches are constantly looking for solutions to maximize the ability of a team that plays below expectations.
Nordi Mukiele's goal in the 61st minute was somewhat unlucky. His left-footed shot touched Van de Ven and changed direction sharply, making goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky unable to save. However, Mukiele had too much space to finish - a clear proof of Spurs' loose defense system.
Kinsky is one of Tottenham's few bright spots, especially after Romero's strong collision that caused the match to be temporarily stopped. Sunderland's Brian Brobbey collided with Romero, causing the center-back's knee to hit Kinsky's face. Romero left the field in a sad state, but De Zerbi hoped it was not a serious injury and emphasized the importance of the Argentine international for the rest of the season.
There is no miraculous solution. And De Zerbi also believes that this is not the time to change radically.
We are going through a difficult time. My task is not to change the playing style. We have improved a few aspects when we have and do not have the ball, but the most important thing is still spirit, to always be positive" - the Tottenham captain said.
Psychological issues are undeniable. Both Frank and Tudor were previously worried about the team's ability to react after a defeat, and statistics have proven that. Spurs have not won any of their last 33 Premier League matches when they were led.
You know what kind of coach I am, but an important part of my philosophy is the mental factor. I want to convey confidence to players, help them have the best condition.
During the week, they performed very well when they were psychologically comfortable. But in the match, everything was different. My task is to help them bring what they showed in training into competition" - De Zerbi said.
De Zerbi has just started working, but the time for him is running out.
