Tottenham enjoyed a productive first season under head coach Ange Postecoglou, with the Lilywhites returning to European football after a years hiatus.
After countless managerial changes in the 2022/23 season, Postecoglou’s arrival from Celtic appeared a left wing choice compared to the high profile names of the past, but the Australian’s straight talking approach, coupled with an exciting brand of football, made Spurs a much more enjoyable team to watch.
Considering all time top goalscorer Harry Kane departed for Bayern Munich just before the start of the 2023/24 campaign, and a plethora of long-term injuries to a lot of their squad, Spurs did well to only finish two points off the Champions League places.
But heading into the new season, Postecoglou will be looking to take Spurs to the next level as they search for a first trophy in 16 years.
Here are four things Tottenham need to do to build on a positive previous campaign:
Going far in cup competitions
Spurs’ return to the Europa League might be viewed as a hindrance for their ultimate goal of returning to the Champions League, but cup competitions should be high priority for Postecoglou’s men. Over 16 years without a trophy, silverware has been a lust for the north Londoners, and after failing to progress past the second round of the Carabao Cup and third round of the FA Cup, Spurs need to aim to go far in every competition they are in. Last season’s failings would have hurt even more considering the domestic cups were Spurs’ only chance of winning silverware.
Getting the best out of Richarlison
In his second season at the club, Richarlison enjoyed his most productive campaign in a white shirt, scoring 11 times. However, injuries and poor form meant the Brazilian struggled at the beginning of the campaign, and were it not for a mid season purple patch, the 27-year-old was looking at yet another poor season. Replacing Harry Kane was never going to be easy for Postecoglou, but Richarlison works well in his system, so getting the best out of his £60 million Brazilian will be key to Spurs’ progression.
Beefing up a paper thin squad
On paper, Spurs have a well rounded squad with a balance of youth and experience. However, after last season’s injury crisis it became apparent that the north Londoners lacked strength in depth compared to Postecoglou’s ideal starting eleven. Having already allowed six players to leave the club this summer, Spurs will need to sign more players, ones which can play for the first team immediately. Archie Gray’s arrival from Leeds is one to watch, but further squad investment will be needed.
Keeping Postecoglou happy
At the start of last season, Postecoglou was everyone’s best friend. A charismatic, jokey approach with the media tied in with Spurs’ superb early season form, but once that form dropped off and the injuries started plaguing the squad, the Australian’s tune changed. At the end of the campaign, Postecoglou was deflated, and his responses to media were sharp, cold and reactionary. The 58-year-old is the man Tottenham need to lead them to bigger and better things, so keeping him happy should be high priority.
