Sleep-deprived Lewis Holtby backs Tottenham to bounce back against United

 
Tom Dutton1 December 2013

Lewis Holtby has insisted that Tottenham will bounce back from last week’s drubbing at the hands of Manchester City after claiming the performance left him struggling to sleep.

The German international was hauled off at half-time as Andre Villas-Boas sought a route back into the game at Etihad Stadium.

Holtby has warned Manchester United to expect a reaction on Sunday and promised against a repeat performance after admitting to sleepless nights since City inflicted the worst defeat on Spurs since 1996.

“People think it does not affect the players but it does,” said the 23-year-old.

"It's not like we just move on with it, it's hard, it's not easy for your head. You get smashed by the press, people say what is going to happen, and it's not good for the club or the people behind the scenes.

"No one doesn't care. Everyone is more motivated now to get a result and not have a 'mare like last Sunday. The team has a very good spirit, we are up for it and that day we had won't happen again.

“I feel sorry for the fans. I know how they feel, but as a footballer you don't lose because you want to, or want to concede six goals. But a day like that is unstoppable at some point.

"We have the chance to make it better on Sunday. If we give everything and fight to the last minute we can get the fans back on our side again. If the fans see we are fighting and that we want to produce something, then everything is forgiven."

But Holtby was unmoved when asked about Andre Villas-Boas' future. the Portuguese boss saw his odds to be the next Premier League manager to leave his post shorten dramatically after last weekend's exploits.

"The manager's future? I don't want to talk about that.," Holtby said.

"We don't listen to that. We are one group, we fight together. What happens behind the scenes is not our job.”

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