Spurs head into Tuesday night's clash knowing the stakes are high. A win at Stamford Bridge would all but guarantee survival, potentially moving them five points clear of the bottom three with just one match remaining. That scenario became even more significant after West Ham United were beaten 3-1 by Newcastle United on Sunday.
It also offers Spurs a chance to end a long and difficult run at Stamford Bridge, where they have managed just one Premier League win in 41 visits. Their last league victory there came in 2018, and the stadium has often been a challenging venue for them.
Despite the pressure and history, De Zerbi has made it clear there will be no cautious approach from his side.
"We can't start the game thinking to draw," he said. "We have to start the game, and we prepare the game, and we speak in the meeting, to win the games. Both games."
He also stressed that the focus must remain on performance rather than records or statistics.
"We spoke this morning about this record," De Zerbi explained. "But the most important thing is the spirit, the personality, to play a good game. To make points. Because the most important now is to stay up and to play in the Premier League next season."
De Zerbi believes the challenge at Stamford Bridge is difficult but not impossible, especially given Chelsea's recent form, with the Blues having lost six of their last seven league matches and also suffering defeat in the FA Cup final.
However, he was quick to praise the quality within the Chelsea squad, referencing his previous experience working with players such as Moises Caicedo, Levi Colwill, Joao Pedro and Robert Sanchez during his time at Brighton.
"Stamford Bridge is difficult," he said. "Tough stadium because the players of Chelsea in this last 25 to 30 seasons have been fantastic. Fantastic players, fantastic managers."
He has also urged his Spurs players to stay composed under pressure, calling for "calm with blood" as they look to manage both the intensity of the occasion and their disciplinary record.
De Zerbi himself is also under scrutiny, as he is one booking away from a touchline ban. Even so, his message remains focused and direct.
"Always calm with blood," he said. "Personality with the right spirit, but anyway calm and focus just on the game."
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