AliousJoleon Lescott has warned that Tottenham Hotspur are heading toward relegation if their current run of form continues. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League table, just one point above the drop zone with only nine games left to play.
The situation worsened under manager Igor Tudor on Tuesday night when Tottenham were hammered 5–2 by Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie. The heavy defeat leaves the north London side needing a remarkable comeback in the return leg to keep their European hopes alive.
Speaking on the All Out Football podcast with Mirror Sport journalist Andy Dunn, Lescott delivered a grim assessment of Spurs’ prospects for the remainder of the season. Tottenham conceded four goals in just 22 minutes in Madrid, and the former defender believes the team’s growing lack of confidence could push the club toward an unprecedented relegation battle.
“Honestly, based on their form, yes,” Lescott said when asked whether Spurs are heading for the Championship. “The problem is that most of their players haven’t experienced a relegation fight before.
“Last season was difficult, but they had a distraction in Europe that gave them something positive to focus on. This season is different — both the players and the fans aren’t used to being in this kind of situation.”
Lescott added that the psychological pressure of a relegation battle can significantly affect performance on the pitch. Supporters of clubs accustomed to fighting near the bottom often remain supportive even when their team falls behind, but Tottenham fans may find the tension unsettling, which in turn can influence the players.
“When the pressure builds, players start second-guessing themselves,” he explained. “A forward who normally shoots with confidence suddenly feels the shot has to be perfect. A defender might avoid passing into midfield in case it goes wrong, choosing a safer option instead — and the chance disappears.
“There are so many small things that change in your game when you’re down there in the table that people don’t always notice.”
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