Brian Pitter

Mon, 17 May 2021

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Tottenham Hotspurs’ acquisition of Jose Mourinho in 2019 was expected to bring about a change in mentality within the Tottenham Hotspur squad, given that the Portuguese is a well-known serial winner. He was well on his way to winning a piece of silverware at Tottenham as well, but was sacked just days before this season’s Carabao Cup final. If he had been kept for that match, the chances of Spurs winning their first trophy since 2008 would have increased dramatically. Nevertheless, Harry Kane and co. were left to watch Manchester City lift their fourth consecutive League Cup trophy while they sulk in the familiar feeling of defeat and disappointment.

Mourinho’s sacking was more than just the typical payout to a manager who had allegedly caused discontent within the squad and as such eligible to be relieved of his duties. His firing signaled that perhaps, Daniel Levy and the board are not quite interested in winning trophies for Tottenham Hotspur. Why would you sack a manager that had beaten your Cup final opponents already this season and is known to be a master tactician in “big games”?

The logical reasoning behind the move confused pundits and of course, many football fans around the world.

What has also been apparent, is Tottenham’s inactivity in the transfer window in recent years. If the ultimate aim for the club is to win trophies, then quality signings need to be made on a consistent basis and recently, Tottenham have not been doing that. One would think Mourinho would be vocal about this to the club’s hierarchy as well.

In 2018, Tottenham became the first Premier League team in the history of the competition to not make a single transfer in the summer window. Though the team came close to doing the unthinkable that season, by reaching the UEFA Champions League final, it was deemed a bad long-term decision. 

Since then, very few notable signings have been made by Daniel Levy. Brazilian striker Carlos Vinicius and Gareth Bale, who came in on loan, were the notable acquisitions made last summer. However, those players do not exemplify the level of quality needed for Tottenham to mount the numerous title runs for the various competitions that they compete in every season.

If Tottenham are to seriously consider themselves as title prospects, in any competition, they need to invest significantly into their squad or risk falling further behind their rivals.  

Chelsea’s 200-million-dollar summer spree in 2020 has seen them qualify for the finals of the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League this season. Manchester City, who improved their team with world class defender Ruben Dias as well as prospects Nathan Ake and Ferran Torres have already won two trophies this season and are in the final of the UEFA Champions League. The Citizens are the greatest example of a club that is constantly looking to improve its squad, year after year. 

Manchester United, Liverpool and even teams like Everton and West Ham have made significant investments in recent years, whether it be with shrewd but impactful signings or world-class talent. All in all, it significantly increases the intensity of the battle Spurs face to remain a top six contender.

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