Tottenham Hotspur are working through a tricky start to the season.
Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino has lamented a poor atmosphere behind the scenes as a contributing factor to the club’s slow start to the season.
Tottenham just managed one win from their opening three Premier League matches, and face Arsenal up next.
Pochettino’s eye opening comments came as a surprise regarding a squad regarded from the outside as a tight-knit group.
Yet looking at his treatment of Danny Rose this summer, the situation is understandable.
Rose played a key role for Tottenham last season, showing signs of returning to his best.
He starred as Tottenham reached the Champions League final and images of him drinking a beer in celebration in Amsterdam after the semi-final consolidated himself as a Spurs cult hero.
When it appeared Tottenham could sell Rose this summer, Tottenham fans on social media campaigned for him to stay.
Rose was left off Tottenham’s pre-season tour and instructed to find a transfer, The Guardian reported.
Its unclear whether there was a complete lack of interest from top clubs, or whether Tottenham’s asking price was too high, but Rose ended up staying.
Rose is popular with Spurs fans, but did Tottenham misjudge Rose’s popularity with the Tottenham players too?
The England international was brought back into the team, but the damage has been done.
Tottenham’s players have been given another reminder that they are replaceable, and the club will attempt to move them on when the time is right.
This is just football, and while Rose will give 100 per cent on the pitch, its understandable if his motivation has been affected and his feelings hurt.
When Mauricio Pochettino talks about a lack of unity at Tottenham, the club’s treatment of Rose, presumably with his say-so, should be the first factor he assesses.
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