‘Bodo were better’ – Micky Van de Ven criticises Spurs’ performance in Norway | OneFootball

Micky Van de Ven admits that Bodo/Glimt were the better side after Tottenham salvaged a point against the Norwegian club.

Two second-half goals from Jens Petter Hauge left Spurs 2-0 down with under half an hour to play but a reply from the Dutch defender and an 89th minute own goal from Jostein Gundersen ensured Spurs did not leave Norway empty-handed in their Champions League clash.

Bodo had 10 more shots than the north London side during the match with Spurs struggling to get out of their own half for long periods.

“Today was not our best performance,” van de Ven said. “We struggled a bit today, Bodo was better.

“We didn’t understand the pressure of the game but the end of the game shows our mentality. We do need to play better than today, though.”

A 94th minute equaliser from Joao Palhinha against Wolves rescued a point after a poor performance against Wolves came just a week after Spurs had also come back from two goals down at Brighton. Van de Ven praised his team’s mentality to come back in matches.

“We did it twice now,” he said. “It shows the mentality of the team. We don’t want to go behind in every match playing just wanting to make a comeback. That’s not what happens.

“We need to make sure we are in front most of the time going into the last couple of minutes, but I think today shows our mentality.”

Van de Ven’s fellow countryman Xavi Simons joined Spurs from RB Leipzig in the summer, and he explained how much he can help the team this season.

“He’s a really good player,” the defender said. “He can create a lot of special things. I think you saw today, he came on and did really well.”

“Most of the time he plays you can see the creativity even if he plays on the wing.”

“I speak a lot with him, but what also helps him a lot is that he speaks a lot of languages so he gets on with a lot of players as well.

“I try to help him on and off the pitch with every small detail he asks for. I’m there for him to help him as much as possible.”