Tottenham assistant coach Bruno Saltor insisted the club’s players do “care” about their relegation predicament after a damaging 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Bruno was conducting post-match media duties as head coach Igor Tudor was informed of a close family bereavement after the game.
The Spaniard said: “It’s a personal family issue and obviously it’s a difficult moment for him. I’m just trying to support the best way we can.”
Spurs remain without a Premier League win in 2026 following the loss to Forest, which was sealed by goals from Igor Jesus, Morgan Gibbs-White and Taiwo Awoniyi.
They are one point above the relegation zone, and were only kept out of the bottom three due to West Ham’s 2-0 defeat by Aston Villa.
The loss will intensify the pressure on Tudor’s position as Spurs enter the international break. They do not play again until April 12, when they begin a seven-match run-in that will decide their top-flight status.
“I think any mistake that we make, any small detail goes against us and we’re not able to capitalise on the opposition’s mistakes,” Bruno continued. “And probably that affected the team.
“That’s our job as coaches, to keep helping the players. And as you can see, the players, they care and they are 100 per cent trying their best. But at the moment, it’s not enough.
“Obviously, a lot of players, they’re leaving now for the internationals and as soon as they get back, get back on the train, come and try to get everyone up to speed and prepare for the next game.”
Spurs fans had rallied to the club’s cause before kick-off, gathering in their thousands outside the stadium to welcome the team coach, but ultimately the afternoon ended in familiar fashion.
“I thought they (the fans) were outstanding from the first minute when we were coming in and to the last minute,” Bruno added. “They stayed, they showed their support. It was quite emotional for everyone on the bus and that’s what we need because right now, all of us, we have the same goal and that is to fight until the end of the season and stay in the Premier League as this club deserve.”
Bruno also confirmed that Mathys Tel was being assessed to see if he could join up with the France Under-21 squad after suffering a knock.