Victor Wanyama, currently showcasing his talents with CF Montréal in Canada, remains a beloved figure among Tottenham Hotspur fans. Ahead of this weekend's highly anticipated clash between Tottenham and Chelsea, Wanyama sat down for an exclusive interview with Telecom Asia Sport to share his thoughts and perspectives on the big game.
When you spend four years at a club like Tottenham, finishing second twice in the league and being a key member of the team's recent success, it's hard not to feel emotional about how things are going at the moment.
Tottenham's defeat to Bournemouth on Thursday night was their sixth loss already this season. They have lost as many games as they've won, with only two draws. But curiously, only Liverpool in first place and Chelsea in second on the league have scored more goals than the Lilywhites.
Victor Wanyama, who played 69 league games for the Lilywhites, sat down with Telecom Asia Sport to preview the weekend's game against Chelsea and to send a message to the current group of players from his base in Montreal. On their inconsistency, he said one way to find a solution was simply to approach every game as a big one psychologically:
It's been a tough season so far, and I think it's clear to see they've been inconsistent. But it's strange because they perform very well against teams that are up there, like Manchester City, but then they struggle against lower teams. Normally, if you're in a situation like this, you have to see every game as a big game so you can approach every match with the same energy and focus.
Victor Wanyama
One of the games that Tottenham fans always look forward to is the fixture against Chelsea. Some may pardon Arsenal, their closest geographical rivals, but Chelsea always sing "We Hate Tottenham Hotspur" before every home game. The grudge between the two sets of fans is clear, and Wanyama says it was something the players always used for inspiration.
It's clear the two clubs don't like each other, and the fans don't hide that, so really, it's one of those dates when everything comes to a standstill, and everyone is looking to get the three points. As players, I remember we used to say, 'This is the only game we cannot afford to lose,' because it's not just about three points—it's the fight for who owns London. To be at Tottenham and to play in these games is a privilege, and one of those games where, when you leave, you take the memories with you. I have a feeling that the boys will turn things around and get it done.
Victor Wanyama
But Spurs go into the game on the back of a disappointing outing on the south coast, where a pocket of unhappy fans made their feelings known to Ange Postecoglou.
This is in stark contrast to Chelsea, who made light work of Southampton, winning 5-1, so the confidence and momentum are with their rivals. However, Wanyama says that during his four years at Spurs, there were times when they faced tough situations, and the only way to turn things around was to hold each other accountable.
When things were tough, we reminded each other that the next game was now or never. There were home truths spoken, and we would go back to the basics. I don’t want to say this was a long time ago, because the basics are still the same. Form doesn't mean much here. Think about it: last year when they beat us, we went into the game unbeaten and were huge favorites, but they ended up winning, so that won't count for much.
Victor Wanyama
On his relationship with some of the current players, Wanyama says he still keeps in contact with captain Son Heung-min and goalkeeper Fraser Forster, whom he knows from his time at Southampton.
Tottenham is my club, and I still stay in touch with a lot of the guys, especially the ones I played with, like Sonny (Son Heung-min). But I also know Fraser Forster very well. The feeling I get is that the group is a good one, and everyone is working hard to turn things around.
Victor Wanyama
This week, English football headlines have been dominated by LGBTQ+ campaigns, with opinions divided on whether players who choose not to support the campaign should be punished. Wanyama says, from his experience, all the players want to do is go out there and enjoy the game.
I don't want to get involved. All my life, it's always been about being a footballer and just going out there to enjoy the game, and nothing else. I just want to be able to play the game and enjoy it, because the world has come to a point where people don’t even listen to understand; they just want to respond.
Victor Wanyama