Roberto De Zerbi has described Tottenham Hotspur's successful fight against Premier League relegation as the greatest achievement of his managerial career, following a tense 1-0 victory over Everton on the final day of the season.
Season of suffering ends in relief
The Italian manager admitted that he and the club had endured immense pressure until the very last second of the campaign, with Spurs securing their top-flight status by finishing two points above West Ham United. West Ham were relegated despite beating Leeds United 3-0 at the London Stadium.
"I think this is the biggest achievement in my time," De Zerbi said. "The Europa League at Brighton was great. The second place in Marseille, with a lot of problems, was a big achievement. But I think today was maybe one of the best days in football so far."
Lessons learned and rebuilding begins
De Zerbi emphasised the importance of learning from the club's mistakes. "For sure, we have to learn from our mistakes. We are happy because we stay up and we forget the past. Actually, no! Stupid people forget the past. The smart people, the people with value, can't forget and keep in their mind the past. We have to improve from our mistakes."
The Spurs boss confirmed that rebuilding efforts would start immediately. "We are looking forward to start to rebuild a team from this night, from tomorrow. We have no time to go on holiday."
Summer transfer plans
De Zerbi outlined his vision for the summer transfer window, indicating that only a few changes are needed. "We have not to change too many players. We have 10, 11, 12 players who are good enough to stay – good enough as players and especially people. Then we have to complete the squad with the first-level of players because we suffer too much."
He added: "We are Tottenham and we can't suffer like this until the last second of the last game to stay up. My target now is finished, to stay up. My [next] target is to start pre-season with the team in my dream, in my head."
Van de Ven: 'Embarrassing' situation
Defender Micky van de Ven did not hold back in his assessment of the club's predicament. "It is unacceptable that the last game we played this season we play for relegation. This club has some unbelievable players. It was embarrassing to let it come to the final day but we did it and that is what is important."
Van de Ven, who played almost every game, admitted the season took a personal toll. "I was more emotional at the end. It has been a tough season for me personally, as well. I played almost every game and I have suffered a lot. The emotions are really happy and we must not let it happen again."
De Zerbi concluded that the experience should make the team stronger. "If we remember this day, for sure. Next season, we have to keep in our mind [what has happened], to give our best in every training session. If we remember this it will be easier."
