'Players are giving everything they can - and it simply is not enough'
[BBC] [PA Media] "It's really difficult for the players to play in an environment that's so deflated and toxic. " I can only imagine Danny Murphy meant the training ground, because Spurs fans gave everything on Sunday to create an atmosphere of support and positivity, both inside and outside the stadium. We lined every inch of pavement, lit flares, sang songs and roared our support at the team bus as it arrived in N17.
We took this energy with us into the stadium, waved flags specially designed by a fan-led movement and cheered our team into battle. There could have been no doubt that we were fully behind the players. Unfortunately, I think it might be time to accept that the players are also giving everything they can - and it simply is not enough.
To be clear, I am not saying I think these Spurs players are Championship level - although we could do with offloading a few in the next transfer window - because the majority in this squad are clearly better than their performances this season suggest. However, even the most talented players can struggle in unstable conditions. The chopping and changing of managers, the lack of structure in training and on matchdays, the unfathomable injury crisis, the eroded trust in any of the decision-makers and the devastating absence of psychological safety have all contributed to the mess we are witnessing on the pitch.
Igor Tudor's team selection and decision to play key personnel out of position against Nottingham Forest was as baffling as it was infuriating. While this capitulation is years in the making, not merely a product of the past few months, it is painfully clear that the current man in charge is as out of his depth as his predecessor was - if not more so. I have never felt so grateful for an international break.
I hope the club uses this time wisely. Find more from Ali Speechly at Women Of The Lane and on Instagram