Tottenham players past and present have reacted to the club’s latest defeat after Spurs were brushed aside 3-0 at Brighton on Saturday.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side – who were hammered in the Champions League at home 7-2 by Bayern Munich in midweek – have picked up just 11 points from 24 in the Premier League so far season, and have failed to win any of their last 11 top-flight matches.
More worryingly from Spurs is that this run pre-dates the current season. Tottenham have only picked up 22 points from their last 20 Premier League matches.
Asked whether he feared the sack, Pochettino said his squad must “face the negative things and try to work hard to change this dynamic”.
Unity was the message, and that was echoed by midfielder Moussa Sissoko.
Taking to Instagram after the match, Sissoko urged fans, players and staff to stick together in order to ‘move forward’.
“We are currently in a difficult period and no one is happy with this situation,” he posted.
“It's not a lack of desire on our part, neither of the staff nor of the club, quite the contrary!
“In sport as in everyday life, some moments are difficult but we have to accept them, face them and come out bigger and stronger.
“We will only succeed in reversing the trend if we all do it together.
“I am sorry for the fans not to show the true face of the Spurs and all our qualities in these last games. But with our desire to turn the page on this difficult period and then your support, it is all together that we will succeed in changing the situation and moving forward again!”
“Let us remain united and move forward.”
There were mixed reactions from former Tottenham players, however.
Paul Miller – who made over 200 appearances for Spurs between 1977-1987, winning the FA Cup twice (1981, 1982) and the Uefa Cup in 1984, echoed Sissoko’s comments.
He tweeted: “As a former player and still a fan, Spurs are part of my life, yes we are currently going through a tricky period caused by all sorts of circumstances but one thing we should do is stick together ignore the criticism and stand solidly behind our club, the players and management!”
His message was retweeted by Spurs legend Ossie Ardiles, but another former teammate – Graham Roberts – turned the heat on the current players.
The former Spurs captain seemingly focussing his displeasure at Christian Eriksen, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen – players whose contracts are due to expire next summer.
“Players who are not committing to contracts and are playing as they are should maybe think again about what contract they may get elsewhere,” he tweeted. “I am not sure I would pay a large salary for players who are not performing to expected levels. Any time I pulled on that shirt I gave my lot.”
"When Pleat wanted me out and i did not get on with him I still put everything towards playing for the club who paid my wages."
"I get football has changed now and contracts are huge but if you do not want to play for the badge then don’t put in half hearted performances let the manger know not acceptable."
