After Jan Vertonghen revealed this week that the players felt very responsible for the sacking of Mauricio Pochettino, fans took to Twitter to criticise the key players who they thought were the reasons for his dismissal.
The 32-year-old defender told Goal (via DailyHotspur), that a number of the players felt responsible for the sacking of Pochettino after the Argentinian was relieved of his duties in November. He left Spurs in 14th position in the Premier League following a dreadful start to the domestic campaign and was replaced with Jose Mourinho.
Vertonghen was one of several players who refused to sign a new deal under Pochettino and his performances seemed to reflect his lack of desire to play for the club; with the 32-year-old having averaged a 6.65 rating so far this season. The Belgian originally joined Spurs from Ajax in 2012 and had looked set to leave following seven years at the club, although the appointment of Mourinho may yet mean that he extends his current contract.
Were underperforming players the main reason behind Pochettino's sacking?
Yes
No
Reaction from Spurs fans to Vertonghen’s Pochettino admission can be seen in the tweets below.
That’s because a few of them behaved like children. Pathetic and not fit to wear the badge. No need for names. They know who they are.
— Duncan Beagley (@duncanbeagley) December 2, 2019
And so they should as it seems they did not support him and many wanted to leave the club under his leadership
— cliff (@cluffspur) December 3, 2019
Probably because they are.
— Vernon (@lecrin) December 2, 2019
And so they should, they certainly look like they are playing with a great weight lifted off of their collective shoulders
— Robert Michael Davis (@RobertM51726029) December 2, 2019
He’s right
— Sarah Shearing (@timpletare) December 2, 2019
They should
They caused it— Barr. Amah (@Amah_prosper) December 2, 2019
Spurs fans clearly agree with Vertonghen’s admission on Pochettino and very much blame the players for his sacking.
What do we think?
Vertonghen, who is valued at £19.8 million (as per Transfermarkt), is one of several players who underperformed at the start of the season and certainly played his part in Pochettino’s sacking.
Although, he has certainly upped his game, alongside several other players, since the appointment of Mourinho and it will be interesting to see whether Spurs continue to perform under their new manager.