MusaJan Paul van Hecke has voiced his frustration with Tottenham’s disappointing start to the season, while appearing to criticise teammate Andy Robertson over the mistake that contributed to Spurs’ defeat to Aston Villa.
The Dutch defender, who joined Tottenham from Brighton in a £52 million summer deal, has admitted that the club’s performances so far have fallen well below expectations. Spurs remain without a Premier League victory after their opening matches.
Tottenham’s latest setback came on Saturday when they suffered a 3-2 home defeat to Aston Villa. The result, combined with other results across the league, left Roberto De Zerbi’s side at the bottom of the Premier League table, with Van Hecke’s comments suggesting there is growing frustration within the squad.
The defender appeared to single out Robertson following Villa’s opening goal.
Tottenham were temporarily reduced to 10 men after captain Micky van de Ven left the pitch to receive medical treatment. Rather than putting the ball out of play and allowing his teammate time to return, Robertson attempted to keep possession but ended up giving the ball back to Villa.
Moments later, Johan Manzambi capitalised as Villa took a 1-0 lead.
According to Sport Witness, Van Hecke discussed the incident with Dutch publication Algemeen Dagblad and suggested that Robertson should have made a different decision.
“It couldn’t get any worse,” Van Hecke said. “You know you’re down to 10 men. Then it’s smarter to kick the ball out, so you can wait until Micky gets back.”
Van Hecke was equally critical when discussing Tottenham’s overall performances this season, particularly given the club’s significant summer investment.
“We had imagined it would be different. The way we play and concede goals is unacceptable,” he admitted.
“The way the energy drained away from the team is simply not right.”
De Zerbi will now hope the international break gives his squad an opportunity to regroup and address their problems before Tottenham return to Premier League action against Manchester United at Old Trafford on October 10.
Van Hecke has meanwhile joined up with the Netherlands squad for international duty, with the Dutch side preparing to face Germany in their Nations League opener on Thursday.
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