Tottenham Survival on the Premier League’s last day, though. The important win over Everton kept Spurs up and away from what would have been arguably one of the most shocking Premier League relegations of all time. The players and fans have rejoiced, but and here the rules of the game must take precedence for a club like Tottenham failure to survive does not amount to failure.
Final whistle, relief, excitement and emotion. The crowds cheered the players roamed the field in joy and briefly it seemed like they had accomplished a great feat. But on the other side of the festivities, there was a growing level of frustration. The fact the club made it to safety after fighting to stay out of relegation for most of the season to others was a stark reminder of how low they’ve fallen.
Firstly, ignoring the importance of not dropping back isn’t a sympathetic hack at the issue. But defeat in the final round was threatening to lead to disaster for Tottenham. It was an enormous responsibility presented and boys did not disappoint lifting one of their best seasons performances. The two points from the win meant Premiership football was safe for another season and West Ham United headed to the Championship.
But it was also scenes revealed inside the stadium that showed the anger that still looms on the horizon. On the eve of the celebration, the people erected a banner against ownership group, ENIC. The message was “surviving is not enough. The fans demand improvements, the will to strive forward and want to see him play against the very best clubs in England again.
No doubt there is frustration. Having finished 17th for the second season in a row was totally unacceptable for a club which considers playing in the European competitions to be standard at least over the past two seasons, and has one of the most modern stadiums in world football. Although Spurs have the money and played in the Champions League, the takings have never matched their expectations.
Management changes have been one of the main reasons for its shortcomings. The season’s decision making process caused significant problems in the way.The way of the decision making process up and down the season became serious issue. Regarding the leadership of Thomas Frank, he proceeded until his term came to a quick conclusion, whereas Igor Tudor was not successful and began to directly serve his imminent replacement within a month of being appointed. The consequences of his brief spell of counts and the poor results meant that the club were close to relegation.
Luckily for Tottenham, it was Roberto De Zerbi who turned this situation around. The Italian coach found himself in an awkward situation and broke his first rule of coaching: build confidence within the team. De Zerbi wasn’t just an employee but also a motivator and leader in a club that was in dire need of guidance.
There was definitely a difference. Spurs took advantage of two key victories outside of home as they stormed out on top in the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa. The victory against Everton on the final day made it much more than a possibility – it made it a reality for Tottenham Survival.
However, statements like this by De Zerbi himself are proof enough that the goal for him is not to survive. After the match, shortly, he has been stressing the necessity of immediately beginning plans for next season. His message was clear: Tottenham needed to put together a team that was able to be far more decisive in the league when they are far higher up the table.
The manager also admitted the shortcomings are great. He felt that the team had quality in place but would need some additions to the squads at the transfer window. The club needs to fill their squad with people who can continue to enhance the standard of play, and enjoy specific game time consistently, over a whole season.
And there is some confusion about a few major names are attached to this. There is still no clear picture on Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven’s future. Both defenders are well regarded in Europe, and it is important that Tottenham retain them in the long-term as part of their rebuild. De Zerbi will face an even tougher challenge because of the talent he had to lose last season.
Tottenham’s issues were also to some degree exacerbated by injuries. James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski were key players that missed out on much of the season. But injuries do not account for a campaign that saw the club’s very survival was at stake rather than making any bid for Europe.
If you take the real news, bad performance, bad hires and a host of management changes were all the ingredients. Tottenham tended to be disorganised, lacking in confidence and direction in the baggy short trousers. The situation was alarming, considering the support and resources of a club.
Last but not least Tottenham Survival is not a triumph, it’s a cautionary tale. The win at the end of the day was a solace, but it doesn’t clear-up months of disappointments. Roberto De Zerbi has been a godsend and a pillar of strength and stability, but there still remains so much unfinished business.
This could be the pivotal period in Tottenham’s future of the next few months. If the club is to learn from its past error of the last two seasons, recruitment, leadership and strategic planning need to be much improved. Now the immediate aim needs to be that of restoring pride and competitiveness.
These celebrations come to an end for Tottenham fans. The reconstruction begins with the present day.
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