Vertonghen calls for Spurs response

Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen has backed his team-mates to put Saturday’s defeat to Wigan behind them.

Spurs surrendered fourth place in the Premier League with a 1-0 defeat to Roberto Martinez’s men but have a chance to respond with a Europa League win against Maribor on Thursday.

“The team is strong enough to come back from this defeat,” Vertonghen told the club’s official website.

“We have a lot of important games ahead, important games in Europe and difficult away games. We have to stick together. We know we’re strong in away games and we can win at any away ground.”

The former Ajax centre-back was nevertheless regretful on the subject of the Wigan defeat, which saw Spurs miss a chance to skip clear of the likes of Everton and Arsenal in the Premier League.

He added: “We had problems with their system, but normally we turn it around.

“We just couldn’t do it and it was a shame for the fans because it was a big opportunity with Arsenal losing, plus Fulham and Everton drawing. Overall, it was very disappointing.”