Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has admitted that the club’s supporters have every right to express their frustration following the team’s underwhelming performances this season. The Italian shot-stopper had a tense interaction with traveling Spurs fans after their disappointing 1-0 defeat to AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League last-16 first-leg tie on Thursday night.
AZ will carry a slender but well-earned advantage into the return leg in north London next week after a bizarre own goal by Tottenham’s young midfielder Lucas Bergvall proved to be the difference. The Dutch side had previously struggled against English opponents, failing to win in their last 12 attempts, but they capitalized on Spurs’ struggles to claim a crucial victory.
Ange Postecoglou’s men delivered one of their worst displays of the season at a critical moment, failing to register a single shot on target throughout the 90 minutes. Their lack of attacking threat meant that Vicario had to be at his very best to prevent the scoreline from being even more embarrassing. Despite his efforts, Spurs left the Netherlands with plenty of concerns ahead of the second leg.
Tense Post-Match Interaction With Fans
At the final whistle, Vicario approached the away section to acknowledge and rally the supporters, waving his arms in an attempt to generate some unity. However, his gesture was met with visible frustration from the traveling fans, who voiced their displeasure at the team’s lackluster performance.
The Italian appeared disheartened by the response, but in his post-match interview, he admitted that the supporters were well within their rights to be upset.
“They can react that way, of course. They have every right to be disappointed with the way we played. It wasn’t good enough, and we know that,” Vicario said. “But we still have another game to turn it around at our place. Now is the time for all of us—players and fans—to stick together because we can still qualify for the next round.”
He emphasized that he fully understands the frustration of the fans, especially given the poor quality of the team’s display.
“I completely understand their disappointment. We didn’t play the kind of football we are capable of. That’s frustrating for them, and for us as well. But the tie isn’t over. We have another 90 minutes to put things right, and we need to show a completely different level of performance in the second leg.”
Looking Ahead to the Second Leg
With the return fixture looming, Vicario stressed the importance of unity between the team and the fans, recognizing their role in pushing the squad forward during challenging moments.
“We need them, both home and away. Their support gives us an extra boost, like having a 12th man on the pitch. Now is a crucial point in the season, and their energy can make a huge difference.”
Despite the disappointment of the first leg, Vicario remains confident that Spurs can overturn the deficit at home.
“Yes, the result is not what we wanted, and the performance was nowhere near our best. We all know that. But we can’t dwell on it. We need to analyze our mistakes, move on quickly, and be ready for the second leg next Thursday,” he said.
Before that, Tottenham faces another major challenge in the Premier League this Sunday. Vicario stressed the importance of shifting focus to that fixture before preparing for the decisive second leg against AZ.
“We have to be ready for Sunday first. Then, we’ll turn our attention to the second leg. It’s on us now to show what we’re really capable of.”
A Chance for Redemption
Tottenham’s Europa League hopes are hanging in the balance, but they have an opportunity to make amends in front of their home crowd. If they are to progress to the quarter-finals, they will need a vastly improved performance from the one they produced in the Netherlands.
For Vicario, the key message is clear: disappointment is understandable, but the season isn’t over yet. Spurs still have everything to play for—if they can rise to the occasion.
SPURS FANS HAVE SEEMED TO LOST THEIR PATIENCE WITH VICARIO AFTER SPOTTING HIS REACTION AT FULL TIME VS AZ
