From Tel to Vicario: Why Tottenham’s Players Are Asking Fans to Stay On Board

 

Tel and Vicario teaching Spurs fans that unity helps bring success

Do Spurs Fans Need to Reassess Their Role in the Club’s Success?

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Introduction: Are Fans Seeing the Bigger Picture?

Tottenham Hotspur’s project under Ange Postecoglou is clear. 

The club is evolving, implementing an aggressive attacking style and fostering a winning mentality. 

But after setbacks...

Like the recent 2-0 defeat to Fulham...

It’s clear that the reaction of some fans does not match the vision of the players and coaching staff.

Recent incidents involving Mathys Tel, James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario highlight an important question: 

Are Spurs fans too quick to turn negative and are they missing what the players themselves are seeing?

It’s time to ask: 

Do Spurs fans need to reassess their role in the club’s success?

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1. Why Were Tel and Vicario Criticised for Showing Leadership?

After the Fulham defeat, Mathys Tel approached the Spurs fans and challenged them to stay on board with the team (this helps achieve success). 

The media, instead of praising his leadership, focused on the perceived negativity of his words.

Similarly, after the first AZ Alkmaar game, Vicario was criticised for urging the supporters to remain fully behind the project.

“Why was Vicario castigated for challenging the fans to stay on board?” – THBN reader Andy McCarthy asks.

But why should leaders within the squad be criticised for doing exactly what strong teams require? 

If Tel and Vicario recognise the importance of unity, why are some supporters resistant to hearing it?

The Mentality Shift from the Players

• These players are demanding accountability from the fanbase, just as much as from themselves.
• They believe in the process and expect the fans to do the same.
• They recognise that a toxic fan culture can hurt a team’s ability to push through adversity.

This is the kind of leadership Spurs have lacked in previous years...

So why are sections of the fanbase rejecting it?

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2. Maddison’s Approach: Why Is Silence Perceived as Negativity?

James Maddison chose a different approach...

Staying at a distance and simply applauding the away fans. 

Yet, this too was interpreted negatively.

“Why was Maddison staying at a distance seen as a bad thing?”

Some will argue that Maddison should have engaged more, but does that mean he is any less committed?

Not every player is vocal and some prefer to lead by example.

• Just as Vicario is passionate and vocal, Maddison’s more reserved approach doesn’t mean he isn’t fully engaged.
• Leadership comes in different forms - and expecting every player to behave in the same way is unrealistic.
• Ultimately, actions speak louder than words - and Maddison has already demonstrated that he is a key figure in this squad.

Instead of picking apart minor interactions, Spurs fans should be asking: 

Are we missing what the players are seeing?

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3. Have the Players Bought In While Fans Are Still Doubting?

Andy’s comment raises a crucial point:

“Have the players (new or established) bought into something the fans are blind to?”

This might be the most important question of all.

Tottenham’s own players are telling the fans to stay on board. 

They are asking for belief.

Yet, some supporters are still hesitant to fully buy in.

What Do the Players See That Some Fans Don’t?

1. They see the progress being made behind the scenes.

   • Training intensity has changed.
   • Tactical improvements are happening.
   • They see first-hand how Ange’s system is evolving.

2. They recognise the shift in mentality.

   • The squad is mentally stronger than before.
   • There is a focus on long-term success, not short-term frustration.

3. They understand that winning is a process.

   • A setback does not mean the mission is failing.
   • A single defeat is not a disaster.

The players are trying to lead the way...

But some sections of the fanbase aren’t following.

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4. Are Fans Hurting Spurs’ Ability to Win Trophies?

Tottenham’s biggest weakness historically hasn’t been talent...

It has been mentality.

Incidentally, did you hear a journalist ask about using sports psychology in Thomas Tuchel's England press conference!

Mentality isn’t just a problem for players...

It’s a problem for fans too.

The greatest winners in sport have unwavering belief. 

They do not panic at setbacks.

Spurs supporters need to ask themselves: 

Are we part of the solution, or part of the problem?

• Negative energy seeps into the squad. Players feel it.
• Toxic atmospheres affect performances. Studies have shown that teams with nervous, negative home crowds perform worse.
• Winners do not dwell on failure - they focus on how to respond.

As we discussed in our previous article, leaders project confidence because fear is contagious.

“I have to stay brave so that those around me stay brave.”

If fans stay brave and positive, the team will mirror that energy.

The article: The Leadership Spurs Need: What ‘The Greatest Raid of All’ Teaches Us About Mentality and Success

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The THBN Wrap-Up: Time to Get Fully on Board

Spurs’ project is on the right track. 

The players see it.

Now the fans need to see it too.

• Stop overanalyzing every gesture after a loss.
• Stop questioning leaders who are trying to hold the club together.
• Start believing in what’s being built.

Winning doesn’t happen overnight...

But it starts with mentality.

The players have already bought in.

Now it’s time for the fans to do the same.

COYS