Van de Ven Slams "Nonsense" Claims That Tottenham Players Don't Care About Relegation Fight

Micky van de Ven has launched a passionate defense of his Tottenham teammates, emphatically rejecting suggestions that the players have mentally checked out during the club's alarming relegation battle and are already planning summer exits.

The Dutch defender, who has endured a torrid few weeks including a costly red card against Crystal Palace and defensive errors against Atletico Madrid, spoke from the heart when addressing mounting criticism about the squad's commitment levels.

"I've seen things... players are switched off or don't care about the situation," Van de Ven acknowledged the rumors before delivering his response. "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 intervention comes as Tottenham face a critical period in their season, sitting uncomfortably close to the relegation zone despite their recent 1-1 draw at Liverpool providing some respite. The defender was suspended for that match but watched from home as his teammates showed the fight he insists has never been lacking.

The former Leicester City player expressed particular frustration at how fabricated stories have gained traction among supporters. "Sometimes we read things by ourselves... with the players, as well, and then we're just like: 'What is this?' 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."

The speculation has been fueled by Van de Ven's own recent struggles, which have transformed him from hero to scrutinized figure in the span of months. Last season, his acrobatic goal-line clearance in the Europa League final victory over Manchester United became an iconic moment, but this campaign has delivered a harsh reality check.

His game-changing red card in the defeat by Crystal Palace, when Spurs led 1-0 only to trail 3-1 at halftime, exemplified the individual errors that have plagued the team. Against Atletico Madrid, he fell over to concede a goal and was fortunate to avoid another dismissal after a frustrated lunge at David Hancko.

"Obviously, the last games from my side haven't been the best and I know that as well," Van de Ven admitted with characteristic honesty. "It's just most important that I keep showing to everyone that I always give 100% to this club. And I will always do as long as I play."

The defender revealed the emotional toll of watching from the sidelines during the Liverpool match, describing how he "screamed towards the TV" when Richarlison scored the crucial 90th-minute equalizer. This reaction demonstrated the investment that he insists exists throughout the squad.

"I saw some unbelievable mentality from the team," he said. "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."

Interim manager Igor Tudor continues to fight for his position as Tottenham prepare for Wednesday's Champions League return leg against Atletico Madrid, trailing 5-2 from the first encounter. However, the more significant challenge arrives Sunday when Nottingham Forest visit for a crucial Premier League fixture.

Van de Ven acknowledged that he apologized to his teammates at halftime against Palace, understanding how his dismissal had undermined their position. The incident has become symbolic of individual mistakes costing the collective, but he maintains that unity remains strong within the dressing room.

"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," he insisted. "We just want to turn things around."

The return of Cristian Romero from concussion provides a boost for the Atletico clash, though Conor Gallagher remains doubtful with illness. For Van de Ven and his teammates, Wednesday represents another opportunity to demonstrate the commitment he insists has never wavered despite external perceptions.