Vertonghen not keen to answer contract or unrest questions at news conference

Jan Vertonghen TEAMtalk

Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen refused to be drawn on his contract negotiations ahead of Spurs’ Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.

The 32-year-old saw Spurs take out an option to extend his deal last December by a further year, but he can still walk away for nothing next summer.

Asked about the contract situation, he said: “I would prefer not to go too deep into that but there is always some movement.

“I am very ambitious, I feel like I have a couple of good years left in me. I hope I can help the team.

“It is my eighth season here, I have had a great past and I am feeling great in every single way here, that is all I want to say on that.

“I didn’t play the first three games. That’s a decision because we can only have 11 on the pitch and seven on the bench.

“I want to play every game and in that way I was disappointed. I think that shows I’m still ambitious and I want to play every game. My performances this season, a couple of good ones and a couple that could have been better. That’s why we train every day to reach a higher level.”

Asked if things had gone stale under Pochettino, he added: “I don’t agree. We improved every year. Last year we went to the Champions League final. Some new players came in and that keeps it fresh. I don’t see that it’s stale at all.

“I see plenty of joy in the dressing room. Everyone enjoys playing here.”

With Pochettino hinting last week about unrest at Spurs, Vertonghen was asked about his thoughts at Monday’s news conference.

“I am not going too much into that, the mood at this point is good,” he added.

“It was a good win on Saturday, we showed who we really are.”

Tottenham manager Pochettino admits he would like to keep Vertonghen but says he is not part of the negotiations.

“I am open to everything, but that is a dealing between the club, him and his agent,” Pochettino said.

“Let’s see what happens. Jan is always an important part of my project. That feeling isn’t going to change.”