Gary Neville has lambasted Tottenham Hotspur's players, stating they 'should be ashamed of themselves' after a 'pathetic' season that saw them narrowly avoid relegation. The north London club secured their Premier League status on the final day with a 1-0 victory over Everton, finishing 17th, two points above the relegation zone.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Manchester United defender did not hold back: 'Is it too far to say that they've been pathetic? That they should be ashamed of themselves? Probably not.' He highlighted Tottenham's status as a club with 'incredible traditions' and noted that their recent form represents 'another level of underachievement.'
Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven echoed Neville's sentiments, telling the BBC: '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.'
Manager Roberto De Zerbi, who joined the club on March 31, defended his players but acknowledged the need for improvement. 'We have 10/11/12 players good enough to stay, both as players and people,' he said. 'Then we have to complete the squad with first level of players because we suffered too much.' De Zerbi emphasised that the club must learn from its mistakes and start building for next season immediately.
Tottenham's victory over Everton was their first home win since December, capping a dismal campaign that saw them finish 17th for the second consecutive year. Despite winning the Europa League last season, the club's league form has been a major disappointment.
