Micky van de Ven dismisses allegations regarding Spurs players’ dedication.
Micky van de Ven has firmly defended his dedication to Tottenham, asserting that any claims regarding players’ indifference towards the club’s challenging situation are unfounded.
Spurs find themselves in a Premier League relegation struggle and hit a low point last Tuesday, suffering a club-record sixth consecutive defeat with a 5-2 loss to Atlético Madrid in the Champions League last-16.
Tottenham bounced back with a determined performance in a 1-1 draw against Liverpool on Sunday, instilling renewed hope. Van de Ven, who has faced scrutiny following a red card earlier this month against Crystal Palace, responded to allegations that some players have “checked out” during the fight for survival.
“The only thing I can say is that it’s not true. It would be odd for a player to be in the dressing room now and say, ‘I’m going to leave regardless, or I don’t care about the situation because whatever happens, it doesn’t impact me,’ so I think it’s just nonsense,” Van de Ven stated.
“Recently, we read something about a player who mentioned to everyone that he might leave and doesn’t care about the current situation, and then someone sees this and we just think, how does this get out? People are just fabricating stories.
“It’s frustrating for us as well because it creates additional issues, as the fans are beginning to believe this.
“Believe me, everyone involved on the pitch, the staff, the players, all care deeply about the situation we are currently facing.
“We simply want to turn things around, and that is the most crucial aspect, the primary focus for everyone.
“I just want to remain fit and help turn things around. Clearly, my recent performances have not been the best, and I recognize that.
“The most important thing is that I continue to demonstrate to everyone that I always give 100% to this club. I will always do so as long as I am playing.
“For me, the priority is to change our current circumstances.”
Van de Ven observed from the sidelines during Sunday’s draw at Anfield following his costly sending-off against Palace.
The Dutch defender shared that he apologized for the red card and expressed his desire to rectify the situation, beginning with Wednesday’s match against Atlético, followed by the crucial six-pointer against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
“It was just a moment in the game where split-second decisions are made, and obviously, it was not the best choice I made at that moment, so I was devastated when I had to leave the pitch and saw the red card. At half-time, I just apologized to the guys,” Van de Ven explained.
– Jamie Carragher questions Arne Slot future at Liverpool after Spurs draw
– Tottenham’s Igor Tudor says he ‘never thinks’ about his future after first PL point
“Although I wasn’t present on the weekend, I watched the game at home and witnessed some incredible mentality from the team.
“You just sit there on the sofa, hoping the guys score because they truly deserved it.
“The character they displayed during the match was remarkable, and when Richy [Richarlison] scored to make it 1-1, it was pure joy at home, shouting at the TV. I was just happy for him and for the team.
“Tomorrow presents a wonderful opportunity. We have nothing to lose. We aim to achieve something special.
“We will do everything possible to turn things around tomorrow first, and then in the upcoming Premier League matches.”
