Igor Tudor Addresses Viral Video After Tottenham's Heavy Defeat to Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur manager Igor Tudor has firmly dismissed suggestions that defender Mickey van de Ven deliberately ignored his tactical instructions during last Sunday's 4-1 defeat to north London rivals Arsenal. The loss, which marked Tudor's first game in charge of Spurs, has left the team just four points above the relegation zone, with West Ham sitting in 18th place in the Premier League table.
Social Media Clip Sparks Controversy
Following the match, a video clip circulated widely across social media platforms, appearing to show Van de Ven disregarding Tudor's urgent instructions from the touchline. In the footage, Tudor can be seen visibly frustrated, holding out both arms as he urges his defensive line to push forward, while the players seemingly remain in position.
When questioned about the viral clip during his Thursday press conference, Tudor responded with clarity and emphasis. 'They showed it to me now, it's a video from one fan? Usually I need to comment on a fan's video?' he remarked, downplaying the significance of the social media speculation.
Tudor Clarifies the Tactical Context
The manager explained that his instructions were directed at the entire team, not specifically at Van de Ven. 'I saw it but it was not an instruction to Mickey, it was an instruction to the team to go up, it was not about Mickey,' Tudor stated. He elaborated that the moment reflected his broader tactical philosophy of implementing a high-pressing style, which the squad may still be adapting to.
'It was about the team coming up, what we were speaking about before, we want to go up, we want to have this style where we press high. But the team, maybe in this moment, it is too much for them. So that's why that's what a little frustration from that, but this is part of it, nothing special happened,' Tudor added, acknowledging the challenges of instilling new strategies.
Defending Van de Ven's Professionalism
Tudor was quick to defend his player's character and commitment. 'If you watch carefully you see I don't speak with him, after I said to him to come closer and he comes closer. In that moment it was for the whole defence to go up, not an individual,' he clarified, emphasizing the collective nature of the instruction.
He further stressed that the incident was not discussed internally, as there was no issue to address. 'We didn't even speak about this, me and Mickey, because there was nothing to speak about. He's a fantastic guy, a very good professional, he would not do those things,' Tudor affirmed, highlighting Van de Ven's professionalism and dismissing any notion of dissent.
The manager's comments aim to quell speculation and refocus attention on Tottenham's ongoing efforts to improve under his leadership, following a disappointing start against their arch-rivals.
