Guglielmo Vicario has explained exactly what he was trying to do with the Tottenham away fans after their 1-0 Europa League last-16 first leg defeat to AZ Alkmaar. The Spurs goalkeeper was one of few players on the night that can be happy with his display as he kept the score down by saving efforts from Troy Parrott and Ernest Poku.
It was the goalkeeper's actions soon after the full-time whistle that caused the biggest reaction, however, as TNT Sport cameras captured him waving his arms in the air and in the direction of the away end in an attempt to rouse the traveling Tottenham fans.
However, it did not come across how he wanted with it instead looking like the Italy international was frustrated by the reaction from supporters to the defeat. After the match, he provided an honest verdict on their defeat, the fans' feelings and the second leg.
"I can understand the disappointment for the night because we didn't play our football," the Italian said. "So I can understand the frustration of the fans, but we still have a lot to play for, especially in the second leg. It's just a way of trying to stay together because we have the opportunity to go through to the next round.
"They can [be critical]. They have to be, they must be disappointed for the game we played tonight but we still have another game to play against AZ at our place, so it's the moment to stick together now because we can go through this round."
On Friday afternoon, once the dust had settled, Vicario posted an honest message on social media which also saw him explain what he was trying to do with those that had travelled to the Netherlands.
"As a team, we take full responsibility for our terrible performance on the pitch last night," he wrote in a caption to an Instagram post. "We will work even harder to understand, as a mature group, what went wrong.
"Still, we have a great opportunity, starting from Sunday, to redeem ourselves and prepare in the best way possible for the second battle next Thursday.
"Regarding what happened at the final whistle in front of the away section, I want to clarify my intention to keep everyone as united as possible, even in the disappointment we have caused our people. If I have offended anyone, I apologise to those who felt affected."
"Post-match emotions can be misunderstood, but I assure you that my commitment to this team and you, our fans, grows stronger day after day. COYS, together." As somebody who quite clearly wears his heart on his sleeve, Vicario cannot really be blamed for his emotional reaction especially as someone desperate to win every game.
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