Roberto De Zerbi has described keeping Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League as the greatest achievement of his managerial career. The Italian took over with seven games remaining, signing a five-year contract when the club sat just one point above the relegation zone following the brief and turbulent tenure of interim boss Igor Tudor.
Spurs secured their top-flight status on the final day of the 2025/26 season with a 1-0 victory over Everton at home. Joao Palhinha's 43rd-minute goal proved decisive, giving Tottenham their first home league win since December and condemning local rivals West Ham United to relegation.
West Ham beat Leeds United 3-0 at the London Stadium, but their 14-year stay in the Premier League came to an end. The Hammers finished with 39 points, the highest total for a relegated team in the last 15 years.
De Zerbi, visibly emotional at the final whistle, ranked this survival above his previous successes. 'I think this is the biggest achievement in my time,' he said. 'Europa League in Brighton was great. The second place in Marseille, with a lot of problems, was a big achievement. But today was maybe one of the best days in football so far.'
Having avoided a first top-flight relegation since 1977, De Zerbi now aims to rebuild Tottenham and challenge for higher positions after two consecutive 17th-place finishes.
