Micky van de Ven says it’s a ‘terrible time’ for Tottenham Hotspur after their Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid on Tuesday.

The Netherlands international started in Spurs’ 5-2 loss to the La Liga side in Madrid.

After the match, the Tottenham defender spoke to Ziggo Sport and Soccer News have relayed his comments.

The Spanish newspapers were critical of Van de Ven’s performance against Diego Simeone side and gave a blank rating.

Tottenham were 4-0 down after 22 minutes against Atlético. Igor Tudor started Antonín Kinský in goal, only to replace him with Guglielmo Vicario in the 17th minute.

‘Doomsday scenario’ for Spurs

The 24-year-old centre-back sympathises with the Czech goalkeeper, who made his Champions League debut yesterday.

“It’s terrible for him too, he’s making his debut. You wouldn’t wish this on anyone,” he said.

On the manner in which Tottenham lost to Atlético, Van de Ven explained: “Terrible, to be honest: a doomsday scenario.

“Everything that could go wrong in the first twenty minutes went wrong. Everyone slips, including me. Those are moments you simply can’t do anything about. I can’t just stand here and start blaming the pitch.”

Mentally tough for Van de Ven

The north London club have endured a difficult run this season, especially in the Premier League. They are now 16th in the table, a point above 18th placed West Ham United.

Last month, Tottenham parted ways with Thomas Frank and appointed Igor Tudor as manager until the end of this season. The Croatian has been in charge of four matches, losing all of them.

The Dutchman will miss the clash against Liverpool on Sunday due to suspension, after picking up a red card against Crystal Palace. Van de Ven has had enough after a difficult season with the English club.

“I could, of course, give the standard talk that we all have to stick together and work hard, but we’re just being dealt a blow after a blow. It’s just really difficult,” he added.

“We have an important match this weekend that I can’t be at, because I’m suspended, of course. But it’s a truly terrible time. How am I feeling mentally? It’s tough, I can tell you. Really tough. I have to keep going; this is life. I’m not on my phone anymore; I’m completely done with it. Only family and stuff.”

That last part specifically would suggest the Dutchman has had enough of criticism and is shielding himself from the media, both traditional and social.

Tottenham need to turn things around

Micky van de Ven

Spurs have nine Premier League matches left this season, including the one at Anfield this weekend.

This includes fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are also in the relegation battle.

Tottenham can move away from the danger zone by picking up six points against these two clubs. Anything less than a win against both the Reds and Wolves may lead to more pressure.

Micky van de Ven himself also needs to show more when he returns. Following talk of some of Europe’s biggest clubs being interested, he’s surely damaged his chances of such a move.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR