Micky van de Ven Hits Back at Critics Claiming Tottenham Players Don't Care as Spurs Fight Relegation Battle

Micky van de Ven has delivered a passionate defense of his Tottenham teammates, emphatically rejecting suggestions that players are mentally checked out or plotting summer exits as the club battles relegation from their current precarious Premier League position.

The Dutch center-back's spirited response comes after weeks of speculation about player commitment following a series of disappointing performances, including his own costly red card against Crystal Palace and defensive errors during the humiliating 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

I've seen things... players are switched off or don't care about the situation, van de Ven acknowledged about the criticism before firmly rejecting it. The only thing I can say is it's not true. It would be strange if a player was in the dressing room now and saying: 'I'm going to leave either way.' Or: 'I don't focus about the situation because everything that's going to happen, it doesn't affect me.' It's just nonsense.

Van de Ven's halo has significantly tarnished this season compared to his heroic status during last season's Europa League final victory over Manchester United, where his acrobatic goalline clearance became the defining image of Spurs' triumph.

The 25-year-old defender has endured a nightmarish recent period, highlighted by his game-changing red card in the Crystal Palace defeat when Tottenham led 1-0 before collapsing to a 3-1 halftime deficit. His reckless lunge at David Hancko during the Atletico Madrid defeat, while trailing 4-1, exemplified his mounting frustration.

Tottenham's dramatic fall from European champions to relegation candidates has created an atmosphere of suspicion around player motivations, particularly with the summer transfer window approaching and the club's future uncertain under interim manager Igor Tudor.

Sometimes we read things by ourselves... with the players, as well, and then we're just like: 'What is this?' van de Ven explained. The other day, we read something about one guy that said to everyone that he's probably going to leave and doesn't care about the situation and then someone reads this and we're just like: 'How does this come out?'

The defender expressed particular frustration about fabricated stories affecting fan perceptions and team morale. People are just making things up and it's frustrating for us because it brings so much more trouble because the fans are starting to believe this, he stated.

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.

Van de Ven admitted that recent performances have fallen below his usual standards while maintaining his commitment remains unwavering. Obviously, the last games from my side haven't been the best and I know that as well. It's just most important that I keep showing to everyone that I always give 100% to this club.

The defender revealed he apologized to teammates at halftime during the Palace match after his red card transformed a winning position into a devastating defeat, demonstrating the guilt he carries about his recent contributions.

Tottenham's slight revival continued with Sunday's creditable 1-1 draw at Liverpool, which van de Ven watched from home due to suspension. The result provided some optimism ahead of Wednesday's crucial Champions League return leg against Atletico Madrid, where Spurs must overcome a four-goal deficit.

I saw some unbelievable mentality from the team, van de Ven said about the Liverpool performance. It was a massive point. You see the guys fighting every second of the game. You're just sitting there on the sofa and hoping that the guys score a goal because it's what they deserved.

Tudor will welcome back Cristian Romero from concussion for the Atletico clash, though Joao Palhinha remains unavailable after their head collision in the first leg. Conor Gallagher faces a fitness test after missing Liverpool with illness.

Destiny Udogie and Lucas Bergvall have recovered from injuries and are expected to be available as substitutes, providing Tudor with additional options as he fights to save both his job and Tottenham's Champions League campaign.

The bigger picture for Spurs involves Sunday's crucial Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest, where points could prove more valuable than European glory given their shocking domestic slide toward the relegation zone.