Jan Paul van Hecke didn't expect to be fighting for Premier League survival when he swapped the Amex for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer.
Jan Paul van Hecke has reflected on his difficult start to life at Tottenham Hotspur. The 26-year-old defender, whom the Lilywhites signed from Brighton for £52million at the start of the summer transfer window, hasn't quite had the desired impact in north London, with Robert De Zerbi set for another Premier League relegation battle.
On Sunday afternoon, Spurs plunged to the bottom of the English top-flight when Manchester United salvaged a point against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Although Alvaro Arbeloa's side have also only managed to bank two points so far this season, they have a marginally better goal difference than Tottenham.
Van Hecke has started each of the first five games of the new campaign, featuring alongside Micky van de Ven in two goalless draws and three defeats. Despite his best efforts, the former Seagulls centre-back hasn't managed to lead the Lilywhites to victory in the Premier League yet.
Before reporting for international duty, Van Hecke admitted that he didn't expect to be fighting for survival with Spurs this season. Speaking to Dutch outlet Algemeen Dagblad, the Netherlands international described the start to the campaign as 'unacceptable'.
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As quoted by Sport Witness, he said: "We had imagined it would be different. The way we play and concede goals is unacceptable."
When quizzed on the manner of the defeat to Aston Villa, Van Hecke pointed the finger at Andy Robertson, who, rather than concede a corner, chose to keep the ball in play while a man down and mistakenly gave possession to John McGinn inside the box.
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 disappointing performances for Tottenham, Van Hecke was named in the Netherlands squad by Xavi Hernandez, who recently replaced Ronald Koeman as head coach.
"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."
While Van Hecke looks to impress his new national team gaffer, De Zerbi will be putting those who didn't get a call-up through their paces at Hotspur Way.
Speaking to reporters at the weekend, the Tottenham boss outlined his plan for the international break. 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.
"The other players, [James] Maddison, [Conor] Gallagher, [Dominic] Solanke, Tosin [Adarabioyo], [Marco] Senesi, Savio, for sure we have to work more, because also the physical condition, I didn't like even this game."