Jan Vertonghen’s omission from the match day squad against Aston Villa certainly caught a lot of fans by surprise.
When asked about the Belgian international’s whereabouts following the 3-1 win, Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that the defender didn’t have an injury and said that he had to work hard to win his spot in the team back (Sky Sports).
This comment led to some concerns among Spurs fans that perhaps there had been a falling out between Pochettino and the 32-year-old central defender.
The Daily Mail have claimed that Vertonghen was left out by Pochettino due to the fact that the manager was unhappy with the former Ajax players fitness levels.
The report claims that the Belgian has not returned to the club in top condition after his summer break and that the Spurs coaching staff were disappointed by his performances in pre-season.
However, some Spurs fans on social media were revealed that the defender’s omission was just down to his fitness rather than a disagreement with Pochettino, with many insisting that they want him back in the starting line up against Manchester City this weekend.
Odd one but sure, it’s better than some other reasons
— Abdul ❄️ (@AbdulTHFC) August 13, 2019
Exactly to motivate everyone , called it
— Zeki Kadri (@zeki_kadr) August 13, 2019
Jan is getting old. It takes longer for him to return to full fitness after a break. This may have nothing to do with his commitment. It is a part of aging.
— R.A.Gordon (@RAGordon8) August 13, 2019
Ok good now start him vs city
— ᴀʟᴇx (@_10Kane) August 13, 2019
So 1 more week of training and then he's right as rain?
— ChrisTHFC (@barkerchris931) August 13, 2019
This is probably somewhere close to the truth,Jan did look shocking pre season.
— Manwithnoname…… (@CheekyChap5555) August 13, 2019
Spurs Web Opinion
If there is truth to this report, then let’s hope Jan buckles down, works hard and proves that he has still very much got it. We at Spurs Web believe Vertonghen is still one of our most important players and we fully expect the defender to return to the starting 11 against Manchester City.