De Zerbi’s first game in charge did not go as planned last week as his side lost 1-0 to Sunderland thanks to Nordi Mukiele's deflected effort in the second half.
Winless in 14 Premier League matches since the start of 2026, Spurs now sit in the relegation zone and if they do not pick up 3 points against the Seagulls, they will stay there another week.
While Tottenham have come out on top in seven of their 13 Premier League encounters with Brighton, confidence is low as De Zerbi faces his former side.
Who will replace Romero?
The Italian first spoke on Romero who went off in tears during the defeat to Sunderland after suffering a knee injury that is set to leave him out for the rest of the season.
“Romero, I'm really sorry for him and his injury. First of all, non-stop, the people have to know he's suffering because of this injury and because he can't play anymore for us in this season. He's a great captain for us and for Tottenham. We have to be positive, we have Radu Dragusin and Kevin Danso, they are very good to play and give us quality with the ball.”
On who could replace Romero as captain: “Listen, I have to decide, I didn't decide yet, I had other more important problems to find a solution. I would like all players to be a captain. M We have to feel everyone, the responsibility of this situation.”
Do Spurs just need a win?
Tottenham have now endured the fourth-longest winless run in the competition at the start of a single calendar year and De Zerbi was next questioned on if his side just need a win to build momentum.
“Yes, I think it's crucial to win a game, not just for the table. But also because we have to feel again, what is nice (feeling) to win a game and what that can do. I have no doubt about the quality of the players.”
De Zerbi is ready to take his team out for dinner
Finally, the former Brighton boss joked that if his side wins this weekend, he will take them out for dinner every week until the end of the campaign as they desperately fight to stay up.
"I don't know if we'll win the game from dinner, the food was amazing and if we win, I am ready to pay every week for one dinner.
"I believe in the people, the human relationship, the spirit and the soul of the players.
"Before we speak about tactical stuff, possession, set-pieces, these things are important but I work with people.
"There are a lot of players but we need to build or find, the best relationship we can find and I want to see on the pitch, players that help their team-mates towards one target.
"If we don't achieve our target, everyone will lose something in their career."