Micah Richards told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club the Tottenham Hotspur players must take more responsibility, as they do not appear to be playing for Nuno Espirito Santo.
Spurs suffered their third-straight Premier League defeat when beaten in the north London derby on Sunday. Nuno came out after the game and suggested some players did not do as they were asked, via The Sun.
Richards could see in Spurs’ display that Nuno’s players lacked a cohesion and a structure among them. Instead, playing almost for themselves than the greater good.
Richards suggests Tottenham playing as individuals
Tottenham’s efforts at the weekend made Richards consider if the players lack respect for Nuno. And thus have not bought into his plans as they preferred alternative candidates.
“There’s no unit, no stability and no organisation – it’s almost like they’re playing for themselves,” Richards said. “When a manager comes in who is not first-choice, you can’t use that as an excuse.
“Yes, there might be more glamorous managers, but the players have to respect the amazing job Nuno did with Wolves. They were doing well.
“No matter which manager comes in, you’ve got to give them the same respect and fight for them. You’re getting judged as well.”
Does the Spurs squad respect Nuno?
Nuno lacking the respect of the Tottenham dressing room already, as Richards suggests is potentially the case, would be a huge problem for the Portuguese and his time in charge.
Spurs started the season with some promise by claiming three straight wins, but results have evaporated since. Losing three in a row and conceding nine goals in the process.
If the players do not respect Nuno and are going against his tactics, Tottenham will struggle to turn a corner. He will be in a constant fight to try and get those on the field playing to the same beat.
Instead, what Richards fears is the case will become increasingly evident, and Tottenham will play as a bunch of individuals. All the while the clock starts to tick on Nuno’s tenure.
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