Micky van de Ven reveals why Atletico Madrid is a ‘beautiful game’ for Tottenham right now

Micky van de Ven has outlined Tottenham Hotspur’s mindset ahead of a crucial European night, insisting the side approach the clash with nothing to lose.

It is all to play for on Wednesday night in the clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their round of 16 Champions League tie.

For Atletico Madrid, the task is simple – a draw or a defeat by fewer than four goals will see them through to the quarter-finals.

But for Spurs, it is a lot tougher. The Europa League winners need to lead by three goals to force extra time and penalties, while winning by four goals sees them progress to the next round.

Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven on Atletico Madrid mentality

Micky van de Ven was on pre-match press conference duties and opened up on the mentality of his side heading into the encounter.

Speaking to football.london, the Dutchman insisted Tottenham have nothing to lose when they take to the pitch against Atletico Madrid and are determined to give everything.

He said: “Tomorrow it is just a beautiful game. We have nothing to lose. We want to do something special.

“We are going to give everything to change it around, and of course, we know it is going to be difficult because we are three points down. But we are going to do everything to change things around.

“Tomorrow first and then afterwards, it is the Premier League games coming up. I think the guys showed some great character last weekend against Liverpool and we can build on that.”

Spurs season struggles addressed by Micky van de Ven

While Tottenham are looking to give their all on the pitch against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, Van de Ven also opened up on what this season has been like for Spurs so far, especially after their Europa League success.

Reflecting on the campaign and the team’s current situation, the defender admitted it has been a difficult period for the club.

He told football.london: “Tough. Yeah, that is the only word I have for it, to be honest. If you see how we ended last season, that is obviously a top thing, and how you end up this season, it is really tough for everyone at the club, and this is not a position anyone wants to be in.

“It is just a thing that we need to change around everyone together. It has just been a tough season overall, but it is not finished yet, and we have some more games to come.”

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