Tottenham experienced, once again, a very complicated season, concluded at the last minute by surviving on the last day thanks to a decisive victory against Everton (1-0). A scenario which allowed Spurs to finish in a sad 17th place in the Premier League, a ranking considered totally insufficient given the club’s financial means and the supposed quality of the squad. A situation all the more worrying as it is part of a continuity, the club having already finished in the same waters the previous season, saved at the time by a coronation in the Europa League obtained in the final moments of its season.
This nightmare season was also marked by total instability on the London bench, with three different coaches at the helm of the team: Thomas Frank, Igor Tudor, then Roberto De Zerbi, still in office today and confirmed for next season. The former OM coach had also surprised by affirming that he would remain whatever happened, even in the event of relegation, a strong speech which today takes on another dimension since maintenance has finally been assured. But behind this relief, the observation remains brutal: Tottenham must start from scratch.
“We have 10, 11 or 12 players good enough to stay”
In this context, Roberto De Zerbi was quick to show his intentions for the future. The Italian technician wants to fundamentally reshape his group and believes that a major clean-up is essential to start again on solid foundations. He explained that he wanted to build a real collective identity from the start: “Starting tonight, we need to start organizing ourselves and building a new team. I think we don’t need to change everything, but we have 10, 11 or 12 players good enough to stay, and then we will have to supplement with very high level players. » A clear position, accompanied by a lucid observation of the difficulties encountered this season.
De Zerbi also insisted on the psychological impact of this failed exercise, evoking a trying season at all levels, as much for the players as for the supporters and the management. “We have suffered too much. I suffered a lot, but the supporters, the club, the management, the players… everyone suffered too much. Tottenham can’t relive this until the last day to stay alive.”he warned, adding that he wanted to be more involved in structuring decisions alongside the sporting director, recruiters and management. Its objective is now clear: “arrive in pre-season with the team of your dreams”in his words.
Kolo Muani, Gallagher, Palhinha: RDZ has made its choices
On the transfer market, the message is just as firm. Asked about certain players, the Italian coach has already targeted his priorities and his certainties, in particular concerning João Palhinha, whom he absolutely wishes to keep after his decisive role this season according to Sky Sport. He also cited other profiles that he considers essential to his project, such as Conor Gallagher or the former PSG, Randal Kolo Muani, confirming his desire to rely on a precise base while massively strengthening the workforce to reach a milestone. Often a starter since his arrival on the bench, Mathys Tel should also stay in London. In this climate of reconstruction, criticism was quick to fall. An English legend who played for Manchester United, Gary Neville, did not mince his words on the Spurs situation, denouncing an unworthy level of performance: “is it an exaggeration to say that they were pitiful? Probably not. They’ve been down for a long time. This is another level of underperformance, almost a record of mediocrity over two seasons. » A harsh observation, which illustrates the scale of the work to come in London.
Finally, on the locker room side, certain signs of optimism remain despite the chaotic season. Defender Micky van de Ven was keen to emphasize the need for changes, while showing his confidence in the project in place. “Finishing 17th two seasons in a row is unacceptable for a club like Tottenham. This needs to change”he admitted, before adding: “I am convinced that we have the right people and the right coach. We can do much better next season. » A message that perfectly sums up the situation. Clearly, Tottenham is at a crossroads, between a total reconstruction and above all an obligation to produce results from next season. Roberto De Zerbi will be able to carefully follow the 2026 World Cup in order to identify and target the profiles he wishes to recruit.
