It has been a difficult start to life at Spurs for Nuno Espirito Santo. Brought to the club despite being far from their first choice for the manager's role, it was always going to take a fast start to get all of the supporters on board with what he was trying to do.
Unfortunately, that has not been the case. The football has been poor at times, while results have been mixed at best. He has also failed to get the best out of many of the players at this early stage in his tenure, including some of the more peripheral members of the squad.
It has been rumoured that the former Wolves boss has been far from impressed with some of the backup players at his disposal, with rumours circulating that the likes of Dele Alli, Harry Winks, and Ben Davies may not play for the club again after their abysmal display in the recent loss to Vitesse in the Europa Conference League.
Nuno Espirito Santo questions commitment of Spurs fringe players
Speaking ahead of their game against Manchester United this evening, Nuno all but confirmed that he was unhappy with the conduct of some of his players, questioning their desire to force their way back into his plans.
There is one thing that is the outside expectations that goes around this kind of situations with players that you must ignore, you must judge in the right moment and be patient and then take care of the situation.
Because at the end of the day what we want is for all the players to be involved and committed. This word is very important. The commitment is very important.
When you are committed you understand better some kind of decisions. You are more patient and keep doing what you should do. Focus on your task, day after day.
I wish all the players were equally committed. That would be absurd to tell that is the reality because the players have their own expectations.
Many of them work very, very hard during the week. And then comes the weekend and the coach decides to go with other players.
It's not because you're not committed, but you are upset. You are annoyed. That is respectful. It doesn't have to do with the commitment of these players.
These players have to go beyond. They have to make a conscious effort that he has to go again from the beginning of the week to change the opinion and the idea of the manager.
This is how it works. In this industry, this is what the player should do. Unfortunately, it's not what is always happening.
There is no doubt that the Portuguese manager will look to move some of these players on in January, but having such issues this early in his stint at the club is hardly a promising sign.
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