Members of the Tottenham squad have voiced doubts about manager Igor Tudor’s tactics, particularly after last week’s heavy defeat to Atletico Madrid, where goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky was substituted just 17 minutes into the match. Tudor remains in charge for now, but rumors suggest one player assured teammates of his lack of concern over relegation, planning a summer departure instead.

Van de Ven’s Strong Denial

Micky van de Ven dismissed these claims as entirely false. “The only thing I can say is it’s not true,” the Dutch defender stated. “What I said—it’s the biggest nonsense. Everybody is just focused on what’s ahead and what’s in front of us.”

Van de Ven expressed frustration over how such stories damage the bond between players and fans. “Sometimes we just read things by ourselves, by the players as well, and then we’re just like, what is this?” he said. “The other day when we read something about one guy that said to everyone that he’s probably going to leave and doesn’t care about the situation they’re in, and then someone reads this and we’re just like, how does this come out?”

“People are just making things up and it’s just frustrating for us as well, because it brings so much more trouble as well, because the fans are starting to believe this,” Van de Ven added. “Trust me, all the people involved on the pitch, the staff, the players, everyone, they care so much about the situation we’re in right now. We just want to turn things around, and that’s the most important, that’s the main focus for everyone. If some reports just start saying that guys don’t care anymore, it’s just frustrating for our guys.”

Upcoming Challenges and Personal Resolve

Van de Ven admitted to reacting passionately, screaming at the TV during Richarlison’s late equalizer. He now aims to regain form on the pitch, starting with Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 second leg against Atletico Madrid, where Tottenham must overturn a 5-2 deficit.

“Obviously, the last games from my side haven’t been the best and I know that as well,” Van de Ven acknowledged. “For me, it’s just most important that I keep showing to everyone that I always give 100 per cent to this club. I will always do as long as I play. For me, the most important is that we turn things around right now. If people say things, then people say things. Obviously people are going to leave things that are not true. There’s nothing I can do about that.”