Former Tottenham Hotspur player David Bentley has made a bold claim about the club’s global appeal and long-term potential amid their ongoing relegation fight.
The focus for Tottenham Hotspur for the remainder of the Premier League season is to avoid relegation, with seven games left.
Roberto De Zerbi has been brought in to help accomplish that, but should he fail, he is expected to oversee a rebuild even in the Championship after having signed a five-year deal.
Spurs, however, would rather they remain in the English top flight, given the financial repercussions they will face should they go down to the English second division.
Tottenham’s David Bentley makes bold claim on Spurs potential
For a club that only just won the Europa League last term and previously competed for European places, the drop-off is rather disappointing.
Former Tottenham winger David Bentley has now delivered a rather intriguing verdict on Spurs’ situation, stating that no one in football will want to see Spurs go down.
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Speaking about Tottenham’s appeal and the wider impact of relegation, Bentley stressed the club’s potential stature in the game and why their drop would not be welcomed.
He said on Sky Sports: “They could be the biggest club in the world, and to think of that potential being relegated and sitting in the Championship, not only financially but emotionally, I think for everyone in football…
“I do not think there is anyone in football that wants to see Tottenham go down and not be in the Premier League. I think everybody loves watching Tottenham even if you are a neutral.”
David Bentley’s relegation view disputed by rivals
Bentley’s comments are far from the case, given the different rivals Tottenham have in the Premier League.
The likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and West Ham United, with whom Spurs are in a relegation battle, will definitely want to see the back of Tottenham this season.
Other relegation rivals like Nottingham Forest and Leeds United will not mind seeing Spurs go down if it means their own club will be safe.
When pressed further on the suggestion that many would want Tottenham to go down, Bentley doubled down on his stance, insisting on the club’s broad appeal.
He added, “Do not say that… everybody loves Tottenham. Who does not like Spursy, come on.”