2026-05-12 13:25:46

Roberto De Zerbi felt that Tottenham “didn’t play a great game” in their draw with Leeds.

Spurs missed the chance to pull clear of the relegation zone after being held to a 1-1 draw in Monday’s (11.05.26) Premier League clash and the coach confessed that his side made “too many mistakes” in the crucial fixture.

De Zerbi said: “We didn’t play a great game. We played a good game. I think we deserved to win anyway but maybe the pressure, the crucial game, the crucial part of the season, we suffered too much. I am happy because I watched my players with the right spirit, with the right mentality.

“We made too many mistakes. If we want to win, we have to reduce the mistakes, but we know before this game it will be tough until the end of the season, until the last game. It is tough for us and tough for everyone.

“We have to consider the result and the performance. We played a good game. We are making points. The last four games we made eight points. Congratulations to Leeds, they played a great game, they have to play the last game at West Ham and we’ve no doubt they’ll play the same way.”

Spurs had an injury-time penalty appeal turned down by referee Jarred Gillett – after conceding one themselves earlier in the game following dangerous play by goalscorer Mathys Tel – and De Zerbi suggested that the official wasn’t “calm” following the VAR drama in West Ham’s clash with Arsenal on Sunday (10.05.26).

The Italian manager – whose team are two points above the drop zone with two matches remaining – said: “I did not see honestly. I didn’t watch the (James) Maddison penalty, maybe yes, maybe no. I heard my assistant, but I don’t want to come inside a polemic. The referee was not calm today. Maybe he felt the pressure of yesterday? He is human and it can happen, but no problem. He was good on the pitch. We prepare the next two games.

“I am sorry for the penalty we conceded because Mathys Tel scored a great goal. He is very young and it is not a problem for me. I am happy for the attitude and mentality.”

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