- Title: Spurs defender hits back at speculation over commitment of the players
- Date: 17th March 2026
- Summary: LONDON, ENGLAND, UK (MARCH 17, 2026) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF MIDFIELDER ARCHIE GRAY (LEFT) & DEFENDER MICKY VEN DER VEN (RIGHT) WALKING OUT FOR TRAINING (SOUNDBITE) (English) TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR DEFENDER, MICKY VAN DE VEN, ON REPORTS OF PLAYERS NOT CARING ABOUT THEIR LEAGUE SITUATION, SAYING: “The other day when we read something about one guy that said to everyone that he
- Embargoed:
- Keywords: Atleti Atletico Madrid Champions League Igor Tudor Micky van de Ven Spurs Tottenham Tottenham Hotspur UCL UEFA UEFA Champions League
- Location: LONDON, ENGLAND, UK
- City: LONDON, ENGLAND, UK
- Country: UK
- Topics: Europe,Soccer,Sport
- Reuters ID: LVA001475317032026RP1
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has hit back at speculation over the commitment of the players and dismissed reports of dressing room apathy.
Speaking on the eve of Spurs’ UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg tie at home to Atletico Madrid, an encounter in which they trail 5-2, the Dutchman squashed rumours of players not training and blasted made up reports.
While Tottenham's chances of progressing to the quarter-finals appear bleak, interim manager Igor Tudor believes his struggling side still have a chance of winning the tie.
Atletico have lost 3-0 to Rayo Vallecano and Barcelona in recent weeks and Spurs will also have taken heart from their 1-1 draw at Premier League champions Liverpool on Sunday (March 15), which ended a five-match losing streak in the league.
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