Spurs head into the final stretch of the season just one point above the Premier League relegation zone after a difficult campaign, compounded by a heavy 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie - a result that marked a club-record sixth consecutive loss. However, a spirited 1-1 draw away at Liverpool last weekend has offered a glimmer of hope.

Amid mounting scrutiny, Van de Ven has strongly rejected suggestions that some players have already "checked out" or are focused on moves away from the club.

"The only thing I can say is it's not true," he said. "It would be strange if a player was in the dressing room now saying, 'I'm going to leave either way, or I don't focus on the situation because it doesn't affect me.' I think it's just nonsense.

"Reporters just say things sometimes and it's like, 'how did you come up with this?' The players have switched off - it's not true. It's just the biggest nonsense."

The Dutch defender revealed frustration within the squad at how such narratives emerge, particularly as they begin to influence supporter perception.

"The other day we read something about one guy who is going to leave and doesn't care what happens," he added. "We're just like, 'how does this come out?' People are just making things up.

"It brings so much more trouble because fans are starting to believe this. Trust me - all the people involved, the staff, the players, everyone - they care so much about the situation we're in right now."

Van de Ven, who missed the Liverpool draw through suspension following a red card against Crystal Palace, admitted his own recent performances have not met his standards and apologised to team-mates after his dismissal.

"It was a split-second decision and obviously not the best one," he said. "I was devastated when I saw the red card. At half-time I apologised to the guys.

"I know the last games from my side haven't been the best. The most important thing is that I keep showing I give 100 percent to this club. I will always do that as long as I play."

Watching from home as Tottenham fought back at Anfield, Van de Ven praised the team's character, describing their response as a sign of renewed belief.

"I saw unbelievable mentality from the team," he said. "You're sitting there hoping they score because it's what they deserved. When Richarlison made it 1-1, I was screaming at the TV - just happy for him and the team."

Attention now turns back to Europe, where Spurs face a daunting task of overturning a three-goal deficit against Atleti. Despite the scale of the challenge, Van de Ven insists the mindset remains positive.

"It's a beautiful game - we have nothing to lose," he said. "We want to do something special. First we focus on that, then on the Premier League games coming up.

"For me, the most important thing is that we turn things around."

Mason Mount and Raphael Varane return to training for Manchester United