11 Nov 2014

Spurs better off playing away from home

11:15 am on 11 November 2014

The Tottenham Hotspur striker Emmanuel Adebayor says negativity from home fans has damaged the English Premier League team's confidence and means they might be better off playing away from White Hart Lane.

The north London club endured their fourth defeat in six home league games this season when they lost 2-1 to Stoke City on Monday.

Emmanuel Adebayor playing for Tottenham Hotspur.

Emmanuel Adebayor playing for Tottenham Hotspur. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Spurs fans were quick to voice their unhappiness during a lacklustre display, with a chorus of boos only drowned out by conveniently timed music blasted from the stadium's speakers at the final whistle.

Adebayor, a second-half substitute against Stoke, claims fans are making it hard for the team to perform and the atmosphere is causing some players to go missing in home matches.

The Togo international says he thinks it might be better to play away from home at the moment because at least they know beforehand they are guaranteed to be booed because they want their home club to win.

"But when you are playing at home and your own fans start booing you after a few minutes then it is harder.

"When you are playing in front of your own crowd you want them to support you. But now it is like going through a sad moment and your family not welcoming you home. That's the worst thing ever because you have nowhere to go.

Adebayor has scored twice in 12 appearances for Spurs this season and has come in for criticism from fans and pundits.

The striker says he is working hard to overcome his poor form and that people should not confuse his languid playing style for laziness.

He also called for more respect from fans after a career that has seen him play for some of Europe's biggest clubs.

Spurs are 12th in the table with 14 points from their opening 11 games, and visit Hull City next after the two-week international break.