Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Mon 23 March 2026 11:00, UK

Tottenham Hotspur fans have been left baffled after assistant Bruno Saltor explained the thoughts behind taking Micky van de Ven off at half-time against Nottingham Forest.

After the 3-0 defeat, Igor Tudor was unable to partake in the regular post-match duties due to receiving news of a family bereavement. In this instance, Saltor took over.

During the game, Van de Ven was taken off after just 45 minutes, with fears that the Dutch defender may have been injured.

However, Saltor confirmed the decision was a tactical choice rather than another injury blow.

While fans may have accepted the substitution if there was a good reason behind it, Saltor’s explanation of the decision in Tottenham’s loss to Nottingham Forest has left fans confused.

What did Bruno Saltor say about Micky van de Ven’s substitution?

Tottenham’s first and second halves felt like two different teams playing, even if the statistics present as if Spurs were better after the break.

Throughout the first half, other than the two corners the away side won, they rarely threatened. After going 1-0 down, Spurs had no choice but to open the game up.

The pace and power of Van de Ven could have been a useful asset in that case, but he did not feature when the team returned for the second half.

Speaking after the game, assistant coach Saltor spoke about the sub saying: “It was a sub with the intention to give more dynamic in the left side and have more legs going forward.”

However, when that quote broke out onto social media, Spurs fans were quick to react, pointing out the flaws in that thinking.

Van de Ven is one of the quickest players in the league, and one of his key traits is the recovery speed and legs he can provide.

One fan said: “I mean… if there’s one player we have who actually has legs, it’s VDV surely?! Said at the time it seemed a mad change and in a game crying out for through the middle, we bring on Bergvall, and then when Xavi does come on, he’s stuck on the wing.”

That sentiment was spread across X, with many thinking the same.

Others felt like the decision to take van de Ven off was a pivotal moment in the game in a negative manner.

A Tottenham supporter took to X to say: “If that’s true, sack the guy, that’s just mental.”

While many more Tottenham fans questioned Destiny Udogie, who would replace Van de Ven.

Overall, after a positive week where Tottenham had looked to turn a corner, it felt like one step forward and two steps back.

The reason behind taking off Van de Ven has done no good to relations between fans and manager.

Igor Tudor’s decision-making must be questioned

After Xavi Simons produced an excellent display against Atletico Madrid, it was strange that Tudor decided to start him on the bench against Forest.

The Dutchman showcased he was willing to do what it takes to claw Spurs over the line, and when he came on during Sunday’s game, he was solid once more.

Choices such as leaving the attacking midfielder on the bench and taking Van de Ven off may now come back to haunt Spurs, who are in a precarious situation at the bottom of the table.

Based on their remaining games, it seems hard to pinpoint matches where they can count on getting three points.

If Tudor remains in charge, then the Croatian must begin getting his decisions right. It is not only down to those on the pitch.