Top four in the Premier League has been the goal for Tottenham Hotspur during a period when a new stadium has been built and spending restrained. Now it has to be top four minimum expectancy. The old project is finished and now it has to be about success. Trophies. Silverware. Winning.
Silverware First, Top Four Minimum Expectancy for Spurs
Time to Move Forward and Make Top Four the Minimum Expectancy
These were the words that Mauricio Pochettino told a press conference ahead of last season’s Champions League semi-final against Ajax’s reported by London Football’s Alasdair Gold.
The progress that the club have made under the Argentine has been incredible. Top four regulars, Champions League Finalists and minimum net spend. The lack of spending has frustrated many but that prudence has allowed Pochettino to build a squad with a strong team spirit.
Not being able to operate at the same level as Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea has been tough. If that project is now at an end, what are the aims for the new season that awaits?
New Signings at Last
Pochettino’s main target in the summer transfer window was Tanguy N’Dombele from Lyon. Daniel Levy smashed the previous club transfer record by getting his manager his man for £65 million.
Tottenham are the last team of the Premier League era to spend £50 million+ on one player. The box to box midfielder is seen as a replacement for Moussa Dembele and with his skill and eye for goal is seen as being able to forge a formidable midfield with compatriot Moussa Sissoko.
Jack Clarke has also come in from Leeds United although the talented youngster has been loaned back to the West Yorkshire club for the season.
Kieran Trippier has joined Atletico Madrid whilst Vincent Jannsen’s exit is all but sealed after a disastrous spell at the north London club. Doubts still exist over the futures of both Toby Alderweireld and Christian Eriksen with Danny Rose also set to depart. Further introductions may still happen before the season kicks of on August 9th at home to Aston Villa.
Youth to Be Given Chance
Mauricio Pochettino believes in youth and two players, in particular, look like getting their big chance this season. Oliver Skipp got some game time last season and looks a composed midfielder. The excitement among Spurs fans though is around striker, Troy Parrott.
The Irishman scored 19 goals for the under 23’s last season and has been compared by some to Robbie Keane. He is strong on the ball and has a composed technique.
His head can sometimes get the better of him and that saw him pick up two red cards last season. There is a feeling at Spurs that this could be his season to breakthrough and he will get game time in the FA Cup and League Cup.
Top Four Minimum Expectancy, No More Excuses
It may be considered harsh to refer to excuses when it comes to Tottenham Hotspur but the sound bite we have heard for the last year has barely changed;
“At the moment we operate in the same way that we operate five years ago when I arrived.”
The stadium is done. The purse strings are being loosened slowly. Top four finishes have been considered over achievements and punching above their weight. That no longer can be an acceptable mantra.
Tottenham finishing fourth should now be a minimum expectancy. The FA Cup, challenging for the title right to the very end and winning the Champions League HAVE to be the targets for the coming season and beyond.
Finishing in the top four can no longer be seen as an outstanding success.
The next chapter is about to open at Tottenham and it needs to start with tangible success. And that means more than just top four.
Predictions
Premier League- 2nd
FA Cup- Winners
Champions League- Finalists
League Cup- Winners
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
