Tottenham Hotspur's manager Igor Tudor has had to dismiss claims of a growing rift within his squad following a controversial incident involving defender Micky van de Ven during the team's recent loss to Arsenal. The match ended in a disappointing 4-1 defeat for Spurs, leaving them currently sitting in a precarious position in the Premier League, just four points clear of the relegation zone. The incident that caught the attention of former players Ian Wright and Gary Neville sparked conversations among pundits about the atmosphere and morale within the team.

Since taking over from sacked manager Thomas Frank, who was let go amid the team's relegation troubles, Tudor has faced an uphill battle to stabilize the squad. Spurs have now gone nine matches without a league victory, and their form shows no signs of improving. The increased scrutiny on Tudor's management style and his ability to bring out the best in his players has heightened following the heavy defeat to their North London rivals. The manager's public denial of discontent within the ranks points to a need for unity as the club battles to avoid dropping into the Championship.

As pressure mounts for both Tudor and the players, the need for improvement on the pitch is paramount. With a key relegation clash looming against teams like West Ham, who are beginning to show signs of revival, the stakes could not be higher. The coming weeks will be critical for Tottenham as they aim to escape the relegation battle and regain the confidence of their supporters, ensuring that rumors of discord do not affect their performance further. This situation highlights the fragile nature of team dynamics during challenging periods in a club's fortunes, especially when the threat of relegation looms large.