Roberto De Zerbi has defended the leadership qualities of Tottenham captain Cristian Romero, who will not be present at their final game of the season on Sunday.

Spurs face Everton at home on the final day, with the north London side needing a win to retain their Premier League status for another season.

A draw would also likely be enough for Spurs, who have a superior goal difference over relegation rivals West Ham, who host Leeds United on Sunday.

Club captain Romero, who is out with a knee injury, will not be attending Spurs' crucial clash against the Toffees, opting to instead travel to his native Argentina to watch his boyhood club Belgrano face River Plate in a title decider.

"Sometimes, not all the leaders are the same," said De Zerbi.

"Ben Davies spoke with me and asked to stay to work with us. He wanted to stay with the team and team-mates.

"Romero is preparing for the World Cup with an injury. For me, nothing changed. Then we have to think, everything is for the best future of Tottenham.

"He spoke with the medical staff. Together, they decided to go to Argentina to complete rehab with Argentinian medical staff.

"We spoke last week. With me, he has shown he wants to stay with us. I want to be clear, I am not stupid. If I understand that there is a player who thinks for himself before the club, I cannot be the same Roberto.

"With Romero, I can't say nothing. With me, in my time, he has been correct at the beginning until now."

One last push 

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— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 21, 2026

Tottenham are winless in their last 10 home league games (D4 L6), their second-longest run in their league history after a 14-game streak between October 1993 and April 1994.

Spurs also lost 4-1 against Brighton on MD38 last season, last losing their final league match in consecutive campaigns between 2007-08 and 2009-10 (three in a row).

"In football, there are different games. There are these type of games, like a final," added De Zerbi.

"For us, for West Ham, it will be two finals, and we have to adapt, and we have to change the habits.

"I think it's a great thing to have the chance to play as a player. If I think as a player, for me, these types of games are good to play, to prepare, to suffer the pressure."