‘The fans were loud and proud’ – van Hecke hails Spurs support after beating Chelsea

“It’s such a good feeling. And the fans were loud and proud. So you feel this on the pitch and you give even more.”

Those were the words of Jan Paul van Hecke after Tottenham secured a historic 2-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Spurs claimed just their second win at the ground in 36 years, with a Mike Penders own goal and a stunning solo effort from Mathys Tel sealing all three points for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.

Speaking to Hayters after the match, van Hecke praised the travelling supporters, who saw their side win at Stamford Bridge for the first time since 2018.

“I could see that it meant a lot to the fans,” he said.

“Everyone is buzzing. Massive result, I think fully deserved.

“We played some really, really good football. We worked really hard, so I’m really happy.”

Asked about the relationship between De Zerbi and his players, Van Hecke revealed the affection the dressing room has for the Italian.

“Yeah, no, I think he’s loved,” the Dutch defender said.

“I love him as well. So no, he’s a top manager and everyone’s really happy here.”

Despite some disappointing results at the start of the season, Van Hecke insisted Tottenham had already shown signs of their quality under De Zerbi.

“No, for sure, of course, the result was not what we wanted, that’s for sure,” he said.

“But I think we played some really good football also in the first games of the season, but then the results didn’t come.

“But today it all went well, and I think you could see our quality today.”

The 26-year-old also reflected on the significance of ending Tottenham’s long wait for a victory at Stamford Bridge.

“Yeah, no, it’s massive,” he said.

“And of course, we knew before the game that we hadn’t won here for a long time.

“This gives a lot of confidence. So let’s keep going.”

Asked whether Spurs’ poor record at Stamford Bridge had provided extra motivation, van Hecke admitted the players were aware of the club’s struggles at the ground.

“In football, there’s always good records and bad records,” he said.

“Not too much. But of course, we knew because you see it everywhere.

“But yeah, that gives you also extra motivation. And for the fans, of course, today is a great day for us as well.

“So enjoy today and tomorrow. And then we need to keep going.”

Having previously worked under De Zerbi at Brighton, van Hecke believes his understanding of the manager’s philosophy is helping Spurs improve.

“Yeah, I know, of course, I know his ideas and I know how he wants to play,” he said.

“I know what he wants from me.

“And of course, as I said, in the first games we did this as well. But today we get better and better because it needs time.

“But today was great.”