Cristian Stellini criticises mindset of Tottenham players

FROM TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR STADIUM - Tottenham interim coach Cristian Stellini has insisted that his side fell to a late defeat against Bournemouth due to their 'mindset', digging out 'individual problems'.

Spurs were beaten 3-2 by the Cherries on Saturday. Son Heung-min had given the hosts the lead after a period of sustained dominance.

However, a couple of errors from Davinson Sanchez and Pedro Porro allowed Matias Vina to equalise, while the Colombian was dismantled in the lead up to Dominic Solanke's go-ahead goal. After coming on as a substitute for the injured Clement Lenglet, Sanchez was hauled back off to jeers from home fans.

Arnaut Danjuma, scarcely used by both Antonio Conte and now Stellini since joining on loan in January, came off the bench to score a late leveller, only for Dango Ouattara to grab the winner deep into added time.

Read the latest Tottenham news here

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Stellini notably defended Sanchez from criticism, but then pointed blame back on the players for letting a lead slip, echoing the sentiments of predecessor Conte.

When asked if he would be prepared to play Sanchez in their next game in front of home fans, Stellini replied: "If we need, yes. He's a professional player. We need to go strong for the team.

"But I repeat, if the team pushed more when we scored the first goal, we are here to speak about a different situation. It's the mindset that needs to change, not only Davinson, it's the whole team that can help, every player on the pitch.

"It's a habit we have, it's not the first time, it's a long time that we do this. But we have to be perfect in the defensive situation. Today we were not so perfect because we allowed them to score with two mistakes. This is a problem, it's not a tactical problem, it's an individual problem, a mistake."

Tottenham missed the chance to move level on points with third-placed Newcastle ahead of their trip to St James' Park next week.