Vicario criticises Spurs after disappointing draw against Monaco
Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has urged his teammates to adopt a stronger and more determined mindset when competing in the Champions League, following their frustrating 0-0 draw against AS Monaco on Wednesday night.
The Italian shot-stopper was the standout performer in France, single-handedly keeping Spurs in the game with a string of superb saves—eight in total—to deny Monaco a deserved victory. While Tottenham left the Principality with a valuable point, Vicario admitted the performance fell well short of the standards expected from a side with ambitions of going deep into Europe’s elite competition.
“I think Monaco were better than us, to be fair,” Vicario conceded after the match. “We need to have a better mindset when we go into Champions League matches, especially away from home. These games demand the right mentality, and tonight, our level was not at its best. We have to work on that.”
The 27-year-old acknowledged that Tottenham have the quality to compete but believes a sharper mental approach is needed when facing top opposition, particularly in hostile environments.
“We’ve shown in the Premier League that we can score goals and play good football,” he added. “We have the capacity and the capability to do it, but tonight just wasn’t our day. Still, we came away with a point, and that’s something we can build on. We’ll move forward from here.”
Tottenham’s draw in Monaco continues a concerning run of form for Thomas Frank’s side, who have managed just one win in their last six matches across all competitions. The lack of cutting edge in the final third and inconsistency in performances have raised questions about the team’s mentality and ability to handle pressure on the European stage.
Vicario, who has faced recent criticism after conceding two long-range efforts in the defeat to Aston Villa, responded in the best possible way with an inspired performance between the sticks.
“Yes, probably,” he admitted when asked if it was his busiest night of the season. “Sometimes that’s what it takes. Today was my day in terms of making saves, and I’m happy that I could help the team. That’s my job, and I’ll always give everything for this club.”
With the Champions League now operating under its new 36-team league format, the race to secure a top-eight finish—granting direct qualification to the Round of 16—is fierce. Vicario emphasized the importance of staying competitive throughout the campaign.
“Of course, finishing in the top eight would be the best outcome,” he said. “But it’s not easy—eight out of 36 teams is less than 25 percent, so it’s a massive challenge. We’ll do our best to achieve it, but what matters most is staying in the fight and showing that we belong at this level.”
Tottenham’s next fixtures will be crucial in determining their European fate, and Vicario’s comments serve as a timely reminder that talent alone won’t be enough. The Italian’s call for a stronger mentality and collective focus could prove vital if Spurs are to rediscover their rhythm and make a genuine impact in both the Premier League and Champions League this season.