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Micky van de Ven savages 'embarrassing' Tottenham despite winning relegation fight
May 24 2026 19:08 · By John Cross/Chief Football Writer · 12 Reads
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Micky van de Ven admitted Tottenham should be “embarrassed” they only saved themselves from relegation on the final day of the season.
Tottenham survived by the skin of their teeth after Joao Palhinha scored the winner in their first home win in the Premier League since December 6. It sparked wild celebrations at the final whistle as Spurs avoided one of the worst days in the history of the club as Tottenham went down at the expense of West Ham .
Tottenham defender van de Ven said: “It is unacceptable that the last game we played this season we play for relegation. This club has some unbelievable players.
“It was embarrassing to let it come to the final day but we did it and that is what is important. To be honest I was more emotional at the end of the final whistle, it has been a tough season for me personally as well.
“I played almost every game and I have suffered a lot, the emotions are really happy and we must not let it happen again."
Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi, who took over as the club’s third manager of the season just last month, described it as the biggest achievement of his career to keep the club up - but insisted it cannot happen again.
De Zerbi said: “We are Tottenham and we cannot suffer from the last second of the last match of the season. My target has been to stay up and now my next target is to build a team for the next season.
“Today was unbelievable. From where we were, it was the best day in my career along with taking Brighton into Europe. The fans were incredible. I suffered a lot through the game but my life is so nice because of the pressure in football. Without that pressure it would not be nice.
“Next season we have to build a top, top, top team. We don't have to change too many players in our squad but we have to bring in some first level players.”
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