AliousIn his first press conference as Tottenham manager, Igor Tudor boldly insisted that Spurs would avoid relegation. However, after two defeats in his opening matches, that confidence may already be wavering.
O’Hara questions Spurs’ mentality
Former midfielder Jamie O’Hara admitted he anticipated a typical “new-manager bounce” following Tudor’s appointment. Instead, he was dismayed by what he described as lifeless displays against Arsenal and Fulham, both of which ended in deserved defeats for Spurs.
Speaking on Sky Sports News’ Fan Club, O’Hara argued that the core issue is not injuries or tactics but attitude. In his view, Tottenham’s players lack the fight required in a relegation battle. He said he expected energy, aggression, and relentless pressing—especially given Arsenal’s recent inconsistent form—but instead witnessed a team that failed to compete physically or mentally.
According to O’Hara, basic defensive principles such as tracking runners, closing down opponents, and preventing crosses were ignored. He stressed that when a club is struggling near the bottom of the table, effort and mentality must come first, before discussions about creativity, formation, or individual talent.
“No stomach for the fight”
O’Hara described Spurs’ display against Arsenal as embarrassing, insisting that when he played for the club, the minimum requirement was to battle and not be outworked. While acknowledging Arsenal’s superior quality, he criticised Tottenham for being second-best in virtually every department—running, pressing, and defending.
He argued that survival situations demand a specific mindset, one built on determination rather than flair. For him, the inability to track runners or match opponents physically is a cultural issue, not a technical one.
Xavi Simons singled out
O’Hara also pointed to Xavi Simons, claiming the Dutchman failed to track back and match his opponent’s work rate. He suggested that in a relegation scrap, style and tricks must give way to grit and discipline.
He further highlighted physical statistics, noting that opponents like Arsenal and Newcastle have covered significantly more ground than Spurs in recent matches. For O’Hara, such disparities underline a deeper problem within the squad.
In his view, Tottenham’s players appear more comfortable expressing themselves in high-profile European fixtures than grinding out results in the Premier League. Unless the mentality shifts quickly, he warned, the club risks serious consequences in their battle to stay up.
Alious
