Jan Paul van Hecke has opened up about his turbulent beginning at Tottenham Hotspur. The 26-year-old center-back, who the Lilywhites recruited from Brighton and Hove Albion for £52 million ($69.8 million) at the start of the summer transfer window, has struggled to make the desired impression in North London, with Robert De Zerbi facing yet another Premier League relegation battle.
On Sunday, Spurs dropped to the foot of the English top-flight when Manchester United rescued a point against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Although Álvaro Arbeloa's side have also managed just two points so far this season, they hold a marginally superior goal difference to Tottenham.
Van Hecke has featured in each of the opening five games of the new campaign, lining up alongside countryman Micky van de Ven in two goalless draws and three defeats. Despite his efforts, the former Seagulls center-back has yet to help steer the Lilywhites to a Premier League victory.
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Prior to linking up with his national team, Van Hecke admitted he had not anticipated fighting a relegation battle with Spurs this season. Speaking to Dutch outlet Algemeen Dagblad, the Netherlands international branded the start to the campaign as 'unacceptable,' via football.london.
As quoted by Sport Witness, he said: "We had imagined it would be different. The way we play and concede goals is unacceptable."
When pressed on the nature of the loss to Aston Villa, Van Hecke directed blame toward Andy Robertson, who opted to keep the ball in play rather than concede a corner while his side was shorthanded, inadvertently gifting possession to John McGinn inside the penalty area.
Van Hecke continued: "The way the energy drained away from the team is simply not right. It couldn't get any worse. You know you're down to 10 men. Then it's smarter to kick the ball out, so you can wait until Micky gets back. You say to each other: 'Come on, boys. We are much better.' And then you give it all away completely."
Despite some underwhelming displays for Tottenham, Van Hecke earned a spot in the Netherlands squad under Xavi Hernandez, who recently took over from Ronald Koeman as manager.
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"Xavi called me himself," added the Dutchman. "Very positive. I am looking forward to it. A fresh start after the World Cup. The fact that his philosophy leans on attacking football is wonderful."
As Van Hecke prepares to make his mark with his new national team manager, De Zerbi will be working with those who weren't selected at Hotspur Way.
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the Tottenham manager explained his approach for the international window. He said: "I didn't speak with the players today (Saturday) because I didn't want to say nothing.
"No, I have nothing with them, but the players who go with the national team. They have to play and work.