‘Too much hate’ – Pundit claims Spurs star is being unfairly criticised

Romanian manager and pundit Mihai Stoichita has defended his compatriot Radu Dragusin, insisting that the centre-back has been unfairly scapegoated after Tottenham’s 3-0 loss to Fulham.

Dragusin had to wait patiently for his first Spurs start since his January move from Genoa, with Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero being in excellent form.

That finally came against Fulham last Saturday courtesy of Van de Ven’s injury but it proved to be a day to forget for the 22-year-old and his Tottenham teammates, with the Lilywhites being ripped apart by the Cottagers, who put three past the away side.

The Romanian international and Destiny Udogie struggled to cope with the home side’s attacks down their right and were exposed time and again.

Dragusin has been criticised for his display, with Tim Sherwood opining that Spurs would have conceded the first goal had Van de Ven been playing instead of the newcomer (Premier League Productions – 16/03, 7:45 pm).

Radu Dragusin is not to blame for Spurs defeat

However, Stoichita has now said that none of the goals the North London side conceded were down to the former Genoa man.

When asked about Dragusin’s role in the loss, the 69-year-old told Fanatik: “No, I explained, I was with you and I think I was quite logical in everything I said. There is too much hate and too much envy.

“A player who was born in 2002, plays in the Premier League and you criticise him. I don’t get the first goal anymore, because the left-back should have come out, whatever, it doesn’t matter.

“On the second goal, the only logical position for all the players is his, covering the centre axis of the goal. The rest of the players, if you look at the phase… He’s trying to play it all the way through, the rest have stopped.”

Spurs Web Opinion

It would not be fair to be too critical of Dragusin, given that he is still adapting to the Premier League and Tottenham’s system. He and Romero did not seem to be on the same page on a few occasions at Craven Cottage but the understanding between them will improve as they play together more often.

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