Tottenham Hotspur’s Mikey van de Ven has described reports.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Mikey van de Ven has described reports that players have stopped caring during the Premier League’s relegation battle as ‘the biggest nonsense’.
The Netherlands international was suspended as Spurs picked up their first point under Igor Tudor with a 1-1 draw against Liverpool on Sunday, leaving them just one point behind 18th-placed West Ham.
Spurs now turn their attention back to the Champions League as they face the seemingly insurmountable task of overturning a three-goal deficit after a 5-2 first-leg loss to Atletico Madrid in their last-16 tie.
Speaking before the game, Van de Ven took issue with the notion that he and his teammates were already locked in.
“I’ve definitely noticed things,” Van de Ven said. “[written],” Van de Ven said.
“Reporters just talk sometimes and it’s like, ‘How did you know that?’ For example, the players are off. This claim is not true.
“They say the players will leave either way. It’s just nonsense and it’s only a problem when people start believing it. It’s just the biggest nonsense.
“Sometimes we read things ourselves and are like, ‘What is this?’ The other day we read something about a boy who is going to leave and doesn’t care what happens. We’re just reading, like, ‘How did that turn out?’
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“It brings a lot of anxiety because the fans are starting to believe it.
“Everybody involved cares a lot about the situation we’re in. That’s the most important thing right now. Then if some reports come out that guys don’t care anymore, that’s disappointing for our guys.
“For me it’s disappointing because people start thinking differently about me. I simply want to maintain my fitness and improve my performance. I know the last games haven’t been my best. The most important thing is that I give 100 per cent to this club.”
‘The players really care,’ insists Tudor.
Igor Tudor says Sunday’s performance against Liverpool can give his side confidence for the rest of the season.
Although Sunday’s draw at Anfield may have given Tudor his first point as Tottenham head coach, he is still looking for his first win in charge.
With Van de Ven’s visit to Atletico a free hit that led to Spurs’ position in the tie, Tudor hopes a performance against Liverpool can give them more confidence before they must win at the bottom of the table. Sunday’s clash with Nottingham Forest, live on Sky Sports.
“Of course, it’s important,” said the former Juventus and Croatia centre-back. “When you have a positive performance, it gives everyone confidence. It confirms goodwill.
“The players really care. It’s very difficult at the moment. I believe there was a positive moment in the last match. We have to be honest with what we can give on the pitch. I’m happy for everyone and now we have to continue.”
