Gary Neville has launched a fierce attack on Tottenham Hotspur after what he described as a disastrous Premier League campaign, calling the team’s performance “pathetic” following their narrow escape from relegation on the final day. Despite managing a 1-0 victory over Everton to ensure their top-flight survival, the former Manchester United captain stated that the north London club should feel “ashamed” of their downfall in recent years.

Neville criticises Spurs for ‘pathetic’ campaign

Tottenham barely managed to stay in the Premier League, finishing only two points above the relegation zone. Yet, their survival did little to shield them from strong criticism, with Neville leading the charge against a squad he believes has massively underperformed considering its financial backing. When asked if this was the lowest point for Spurs, the United legend did not mince words.

“Is it too far to say they’ve been pathetic? That they should be ashamed of themselves? Probably not,” Neville told Sky Sports. “This is Tottenham Hotspur. I know people sometimes laugh when I say ‘this is Manchester United,’ but Tottenham too is a club with a fantastic history and tradition.

“They haven’t won trophies regularly for a long time, even though they lifted the Europa League last year, which was a brilliant moment for their fans. But this club has been underachieving for years. What we’ve seen this season takes that underachievement to another level. The last couple of years in the Premier League have been dreadful.”

Questioning the ‘To Dare Is To Do’ motto

Neville was especially critical of the mentality within the Spurs dressing room, suggesting that several players are not worthy of wearing the shirt. “The fans were celebrating because it means something real to them,” he said. “For some of the players, it does too, but for others, it doesn’t look like they even want to be part of this team. That’s something Roberto De Zerbi will have to figure out – and maybe he already has.”

Mocking Tottenham’s famous motto, Neville added: “Actions on the pitch speak louder than words. ‘To dare is to do’ – but do these players really dare? I don’t think so. Are they united? No, I don’t see that either.”

Ownership criticised for poor leadership

Neville’s frustration wasn’t reserved just for the players. He also turned his ire towards the club’s board and its chaotic managerial changes throughout the season. Following the exits of Ange Postecoglou, Thomas Frank, and Igor Tudor, the pundit argued that the ownership has lost the trust of supporters due to erratic and inconsistent decisions.

“Is there a clear direction running through the club? No. We keep hearing that the owners have been trying to sell the club for two, three, maybe four years now, chasing the highest possible price,” Neville said. “They’ve done well in some areas, particularly with infrastructure, but they’ve failed where it matters most – on the pitch. There needs to be a complete reset, a deep and honest review of everything within the club.”

He added, “When you own a football club – and I speak as someone who owns one – sometimes you have to look in the mirror. Success or failure often stems from the decisions an owner makes, not just from the fans, players, or coaches.”

“Appointing Igor Tudor and then sacking him after just a few weeks – that never felt right from day one. It didn’t connect. Firing Ange Postecoglou, then bringing in Thomas Frank, then Igor Tudor, and now Roberto De Zerbi – it’s been chaotic. What a rollercoaster of a season. The owners have lost credibility and trust. The protests from supporters tell you everything you need to know.”

De Zerbi faces a tough rebuilding task

Now, with Roberto De Zerbi handed the reins, the Italian manager faces a huge challenge to rebuild the squad and restore pride at the club. Neville believes that De Zerbi must be ruthless in the transfer market, insisting that the current group of players needs a complete overhaul to make Tottenham competitive again.

“Not winning a home game since Christmas is disgraceful for a club of this size and for a squad assembled at such cost,” Neville concluded. “They’ve been fragile, weak, and mentally soft. The real inquest has to begin now. They’ve survived, yes, but it’s time to bring in the bulldozers and clear out that dressing room – because that’s exactly what needs to happen.”