Tottenham players apologise after ignoring manager at full-time
Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has confirmed that Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence have apologised after an incident where they appeared to ignore him at full-time during the 1–0 defeat to Chelsea, an event that provoked backlash from supporters who labelled their actions “disrespectful,” reports BritPanorama.
Television cameras captured both players walking past Frank without acknowledging him as the final whistle blew, leading to questions about their attitudes and demands for an explanation from the club. Their behaviour came under particular scrutiny following another disappointing result for Tottenham.
Frank, who is known for his composed leadership style, opted not to escalate the situation. Speaking at his pre-match press conference prior to their Champions League clash with Copenhagen, he indicated that both players had accepted responsibility for the misunderstanding. “Micky and Djed came into my office yesterday,” Frank detailed. “They said they wanted to say sorry and didn’t want it to look bad. They were frustrated with the result and the performance, and they didn’t mean to come across as disrespectful.”
The manager further noted that the incident stemmed from frustration following a tough evening, compounded by the booing from the stands. He stressed that there are no lasting tensions among the squad, stating, “There’s no bad blood. Both players have trained really well this week. We move on together. We win together, we lose together.”
The defeat to Chelsea marked Tottenham’s third consecutive home loss, intensifying concerns surrounding the club’s form. Frank’s side, which initially had a promising start to the season, now faces critical fixtures ahead, including their upcoming match against Copenhagen. The manager hopes that the apologies from van de Ven and Spence will prompt a period of reflection and renewal for the team.
Fans responded to the players’ apologies with a mix of support and calls for increased intensity in upcoming matches. Many commended the players for taking accountability, while others urged the team to regain the momentum that defined their early-season performances. The upcoming Premier League match against Manchester United is now viewed as crucial for the trajectory of the season. A loss could escalate pressure on Frank, while a victory might restore confidence and reinvigorate the squad.
In the wake of this incident, the focus remains on the field. Frank remains committed to fostering a collective spirit, underscoring that the players are genuinely invested in their performance. “The focus has to be on the football,” he reflected. “The lads care deeply. They were disappointed after the Chelsea match, but their response in training has been precisely what I want to see. Everyone is pulling in the same direction.”
As the Tottneham squad gears up for a critical run of fixtures, the reconciliation between players and management may just be the spark they need to ignite their season once more.
