Tottenham Hotspur manager Igor Tudor tasted defeat in his first match against Arsenal, but he was full of instructions for Micky Van de Ven and co.
There is trouble in paradise at Tottenham Hotspur as they risk losing their Premier League status, having not been relegated in the last 49 years.
Four points is currently the difference between Spurs and the dreaded relegation line in the Premier League table, and with each passing gameweek, Tottenham continue to edge closer to the drop.
Their last outing was against bitter rivals Arsenal, and it was far from an ideal performance from Tudor’s side, who were well beaten 4-1 in front of the Spurs faithful at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tottenham boss Igor Tudor seen shouting at Micky van de Ven during Arsenal defeat
Of course, Igor Tudor will be aware that Tottenham’s Premier League status does not hinge on a game against the league leaders, but he will be greatly concerned by the overall performance from some of his players.
During the clash against Arsenal, the new Spurs boss’s frustration was evident from the touchline as he attempted to pass on instructions to the captain on the day, Micky van de Ven.
An animated Tudor was seen gesturing to the Dutchman to push up the pitch, but those shouts appeared to fall on deaf ears, with van de Ven seemingly ignoring him.
The former Juventus man was then seen holding his arms in the air and leaning back, clearly frustrated after trying to get his message across.
Tudor has since moved to rubbish claims that Micky Van de Ven ignored him.
He said: “It was about the team where we needed to get up if we wanted to press high. In this moment maybe it is too much for them. Maybe that is what the frustration is [from me].
“If you watch carefully I do not speak with him [in that moment], after I said to him to come closer and he comes closer.
“In that moment, it was for the whole defence. We did not talk about it because nothing happened. He is a fantastic professional and a fantastic guy; he would not do something like this [ignore me].”
Spurs problems laid bare as Igor Tudor faces uphill battle
Tudor’s post-match comments following the defeat on Sunday were rather blunt, with the Spurs boss making it clear that this Tottenham side is full of problems.
Perhaps their inability to buy into ideas straight away might be one such issue, as Tottenham’s poor form dates back to Ange Postecoglou’s time in the dugout.
Still, the former Juventus manager remains adamant that Tottenham will avoid the drop, but it is clear that much work is needed on this side if they are to get back to winning ways this season.