Nonsense to say Spurs players don't care - Van de Ven

Micky van de Ven joined Tottenham from Wolfsburg in August 2023 Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven says it is "the biggest nonsense" to suggest the club's players do not care about the team's current plight. Spurs are a point above the Premier League relegation zone in 16th with eight matches of the season left to play after a difficult campaign. It has led to questions over the whether Tottenham 's squad are already thinking about their own futures beyond the current season. But Van de Ven gave a passionate defence of their commitment to the Spurs cause on the eve of the second leg of Tottenham 's Champions League last-16 tie at home to Atletico Madrid. "It's the biggest nonsense," the Netherlands centre-back told a news conference. "Trust me - those involved on the pitch, the staff and the players - they care so much about the situation we are in right now. "We just want to turn things around and that's the main focus for everyone. If reports say guys don't care anymore it's just frustrating for our guys." Spurs trail Atletico 5-2 from the first leg in Madrid following a club record sixth-straight loss before they came from behind to draw 1-1 with Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday. Van de Ven said suggestions that Spurs players are not bothered by their predicament "brings so much more trouble" because supporters are "starting to believe" them. "The other day when we read something about one guy that said to everyone that he's probably going to leave and doesn't care about the situation they're in," added the 24-year-old Dutchman. "People are just making things up. The only thing I can say about it is it's not true." Spurs will be without midfielder Joao Palhinha for the tie with Atletico as he continues to recover from concussion. Captain Cristian Romero, who clashed heads with Palhinha in the first leg, will be available to play while left-back Destiny Udogie and midfielder Lucas Bergvall are fit enough for the bench after hamstring and ankle injuries respectively. Van de Ven dismisses claims players have switched off Latest Tottenham news, analysis and fan views Ask about Tottenham - what do you want to know? Champions League: Bodo in action before Chelsea & Man City eye huge comebacks Arsenal trial and self-doubt: Valverde's journey to Real legend Chelsea's cheating - was a fine too lenient? A missing person case forces DS Fia Lucey back to Blackwater Graham Norton shares his award show memories Gripping award‑winning crime drama Actor Siobhán McSweeney shares her favourite travel destination Chelsea's cheating - was a fine too lenient? Inside NSB - the state school at the top of English rugby union 'Looking like the Hamilton of old' and potential rule changes - F1 Q&A From Bodo to Brentford - ranking this season's biggest overachievers 'Haaland of rugby' - how Bielle-Biarrey has stormed stage How Chelsea signed a star team with hidden payments Who makes BBC pundits' Six Nations team of the tournament? Video Who makes BBC pundits' Six Nations team of the tournament? Another compelling Players - but why is it unlikely to ever be a major? Six talking points from final round of Six Nations Norrie replaces Draper as British number one - but for how long? Spurs answer Tudor's call with show of fight in the face of crisis Aberg & Fitzpatrick falter as Young becomes Players champion. Video Aberg & Fitzpatrick falter as Young becomes Players champion Have Old Firm wrestled title momentum away from Hearts? A finale worthy of the greatest Six Nations in history Why GB are 'positive' despite just one medal at Winter Paralympics What next for Dowman - how do you look after a precious talent? Should the Winter Paralympics be moved? Brentford, the World Cup and an itch to return to Gaelic football Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.