Spurs defender claims the players feel responsible for Pochettino sacking

Tottenham Hotspur defender, Jan Vertonghen, was back in the starting line-up again at the weekend as the Lilywhites took on Bournemouth at home.

This was the Belgian’s first start since October, and he was certainly back to his best in a Spurs shirt after suffering from injury over the past month.

While Vertonghen lined up in a back four at left-back, he often tucked in as a third central defender when Spurs had the ball, doing so with great effect.

Not only this, but Super Jan came up with a last-minute last-ditch slide challenge to prevent the Cherries from scoring an equaliser in the match.

Vertonghen was a favourite under Mauricio Pochettino during the majority of his five and a half years at the club, despite being dropped from time to time this season.

The defender has now claimed that Poch was a victim of his own success and that the players were all responsible for his eventual sacking.

Vertonghen said (Evening Standard): “Sometimes you’re a victim of your own success. He did so well and the expectations got bigger. That’s the world of football. It’s a business world, as well. I came here and played in the Europa League and he definitely brought this club to the next level. Not being in a top-four spot is now disappointing.

“Our displays [under Pochettino] were not up to our standards.

“We’re all responsible. He put us on the pitch to win and we haven’t been doing that as we should, so everyone feels responsible.”

On whether he contacted Poch, Jan added: “I sent him a [private] message. That was my message to him.”

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