Micky van de Ven refused to sugarcoat Tottenham Hotspur’s season, insisting it was ’embarrassing’ that it took until the final game to stave off relegation.
Spurs have burned through Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor as managers this season, only recently turning to Roberto De Zerbi in a desperate bid to keep them up.
While Sunday’s 1-0 win at home to Everton ensured Premier League safety, Van de Ven was in no mood to celebrate.
‘It is unacceptable that the last game we played this season we play for relegation,’ the Dutchman said.
‘This club has some unbelievable players. It was embarrassing to let it come to the final day but we did it and that is what is important.’
Micky van de Ven had some strong words after Tottenham Hotspur just avoided relegation
Pundits, players, fans and club staff have all, at some stage over the past nine months, taken aim at what has been a desperately poor campaign.
But when Spurs needed unity and togetherness to drag themselves over the line – important given West Ham defeated Leeds United 3-0 across the city – they found it.
‘I think everyone was behind us today and we played with 12 men on the pitch,’ Van de Ven said of the support.
‘Everton were unbelievable, they kept pushing us and when we needed to defend but they kept pushing, I think they were a massive part of the win.’
On the mood at the final whistle, he added: ‘To be honest I was more emotional at the end of the final whistle.
‘It has been a tough season for me personally as well. I played almost every game and I have suffered a lot. The emotions are really happy and we must not let it happen again.’
Van de Ven’s future will come under scrutiny now, as it will for many of these underperforming Tottenham stars.
But Sunday was a day of relief and celebration at avoiding the ultimate embarrassment for a side that was competing in the Champions League this season.
On the day it was Joao Palhinha’s goal that separated the sides and was enough to secure a precious three points to keep them up.
Joao Palhinha was mobbed by team-mates after his goal was enough to ensure their safety
‘It is an amazing feeling,’ Palhinha said.
‘It was a really tough season in every single way. A lot of things happened in the season but today with the crowd I have never seen anything like that.
‘We cannot change the bad season we’ve had but this environment and support from the fans is amazing. I have never seen anything like this.’
He continued: ‘The club will grow up after this season. We know what we have to do on the pitch. This victory is for the supporters as they deserved it.
‘It was just a goal to help the team. I had a lot of emotions inside and I dedicate the goal to both my sons with the celebration. The goal is for them and my parents.’
