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Tonali explains how Spurs are preparing to avoid relegation dogfight
04th August, 2026 07:02 PM
Tottenham midfielder Sandro Tonali believes the squad is heading in the right direction as preparations for the new Premier League campaign continue to gather momentum.
With just under three weeks remaining before Spurs begin their 2026/27 league season away to Brentford on Saturday, August 22, 2026, Roberto De Zerbi’s side continued their encouraging pre-season form by defeating Chelsea 2-1 in the Sydney Super Cup despite being reduced to 10 players on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
After an imminent relegation threat, Spurs finally salvaged their Premier League status in the nick of time as Joao Palhinha’s first-half goal earned a priceless 1-0 home victory over Everton on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Only an 11th home league defeat of a miserable season could have sent Tottenham down for the first time since 1977, but Palhinha’s 43rd-minute effort erased that nightmare scenario.
It meant West Ham United’s 3-0 win over Leeds United was in vain as Tottenham finished 17th on 41 points, two points ahead of their London rival.
Tottenham’s victory completed an escape mission led by Roberto de Zerbi, who had rejuvenated the team since taking charge little more than a month before, with Spurs deep in trouble.
Tonali on Spurs preparation
Tonali opened his account for Tottenham during the match at Accor Stadium, producing an impressive display before Richarlison struck the decisive goal in the closing seconds against the Blues. Spurs had spent much of the second half defending after a player was sent off early in the second period, but they held firm to secure victory.
Reflecting on the team’s preparations, Tonali expressed satisfaction with the work being done behind the scenes.
“Yes, of course. We keep building our team every day to play in the best shape, to play our best football, not just in the game, but every single day at the training ground.
“Every day we put 110% of our concentration on the pitch to do our best, to do my best, and my team-mates as well.
“I saw a top player in this team every pass, every tackle, every minute in training. We want to keep going every single day until the first game in the Premier League, because it’s not just for our fans, but for all these players last season and two seasons ago, it was tough for them, and I think we have to understand that we have to put everything on the pitch to win every game, and I think this is the right way.”
The Italian international also spoke about the intensity of the contest against Chelsea, explaining that the atmosphere quickly changed from a typical pre-season fixture into a fiercely contested battle.
“After the first contact with Joao Pedro, Lucas Bergvall and Conor Gallagher, we changed everything on the pitch, because we started like a friendly game, but after five minutes, it was like a battle, every tackle, every pass, every shot.
“After five minutes, I spoke with Ben Davies. He was really aggressive when he spoke with me, and I understood, after one second, how important it was today.
“Then, after the red card, I think we put 10% more on the pitch to win this game. I think we played very well, we played with 100% concentration on the pitch. It was a little bit tough to play today, it was not perfect, but if you put all the passion on the pitch, you don’t have excuses. I think we played very well. We are happy.”
The victory continues Tottenham’s promising pre-season campaign, with the team showing resilience and determination as they fine-tune their preparations before the Premier League season gets underway later this month.
