Roberto De Zerbi has called on his Tottenham Hotspur players to channel the animosity surrounding their relegation battle as they prepare to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Premier League fixture, set for tonight, holds significant stakes for Spurs, who need at least a draw to secure their top-flight status for another season and deny West Ham a reprieve.

De Zerbi emphasized the importance of embracing the pressure, noting that widespread hopes for Tottenham’s relegation could serve as strong motivation. "If everyone wants Tottenham relegated, it’s a big motivation," he said, highlighting the pride and determination required to overcome such a challenge. The Italian coach drew parallels with his native Italy, where pressure on the biggest clubs is a familiar experience, and urged his team to maintain calm and focus despite the high stakes.

Tottenham’s history at Stamford Bridge poses an additional hurdle, with the club having managed only one league win there since 1990—achieved in 2018 under Mauricio Pochettino. De Zerbi addressed this “hoodoo” but encouraged his players not to be distracted by it. Instead, he focused on the team’s spirit and personality ahead of the match, referencing improvements made since he took over from Igor Tudor, including recent victories that helped lift Spurs out of the relegation zone.

The match will be closely watched by fans anticipating the outcome of Spurs’ battle to avoid their first relegation since 1977. A draw would not only secure safety but also spoil the hopes of those wanting to see the London side drop into the Championship.

In a related note concerning football broadcasting, the upcoming European club finals represent a change for UK supporters. For the first time since the modern Champions League began 34 years ago, the final will not be available free to watch. TNT Sports, which holds live broadcast rights for the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League finals, will require fans to pay to view these matches. This decision reportedly caused tension with UEFA, as it marks a shift from previous seasons when at least the finals were accessible without charge. Fans will see Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest, with Aston Villa and Crystal Palace also competing in the Europa and Conference League finals, respectively, all broadcast by TNT Sports.