The psychological enemy within Tottenham Hotspur?
Looking at Tottenham as an outsider, one might say they have massively under-achieved during their rich and illustrious history. They are a hugely recognised club outside these shores, despite never winning the European Cup – although they won the inaugural UEFA Cup back in 1972 (winning it again in 1984) and the Cup Winners Cup in 1963 which may go some way to explaining their fame abroad. And although they have a fine pedigree in the FA Cup, they have never dominated domestically, winning the league title only twice – once in the 50’s and once in the 60’s. This is despite the club having such a large fan base, coming from one of the richest capital cities in the world, and having had some of the best known players known globally to play for them over the years. So the question has to be asked – why have they not won more?
For a team who has won nothing but two League Cup’s since 1991, and qualified for the Champions League only once, Tottenham Hotspur have continued to attract some great players from home and abroad over the years, spending big money at times in the process. Their recent emergence as a ‘top four’ challenger in the last few years, has become even more baffling, in light of the perceived ‘need’ for a club to have a billionaire foreign investor of some kind, which Tottenham do not. However Tottenham continue to always remain at the forefront of transfer activity in England, which has intensified tenfold during the reign of Harry Redknapp.
During the Premier League era Tottenham’s fans were getting used to finishing in mid-table obscurity but in recent years, especially under Redknapp’s charge, things have looked decidedly better. Upon joining Spurs, Redknapp took them to another League Cup final (losing on penalties). Then, in his first full season in charge he guided Spurs to their best ever Premier League campaign, finishing fourth and qualifying for the Champions League. This was followed up with an impressive run in the clubs first appearance in Europe’s top competition, and a fifth place finish in the league. Yet, no silverware has still been won, outside the League Cup victories, since 1991. Is this down to complacency?
Have Tottenham developed something of a self-defeating condition? For all the pros they have over other clubs, when things seem to be going great, Spurs seem to fall at the last hurdle. Even in the season they appeared to finally jump a last hurdle, and in doing so, breaking the ‘big four’s’ monopoly and qualifying for the Champions League, they failed to kick on, following it up finishing outside the top four again. In their commendable first appearance in the Champions League, they beat holders Inter Milan, whilst dumping out European giants AC Milan, and appeared to be riding on the crest of a wave – only to be sent crashing out in the very next round by Real Madrid.
Of course, it doesn’t help that Spurs have to compete with a lot of ‘super’ teams in today’s day and age, both domestically and abroad. The Premier League now appears to be its most competitive for years, with six clubs realistically fighting it out for only four Champions League places, not to mention the domestic honours. Also, over the years when it comes to crunch matches against ‘top four’ opposition, Spurs have struggled. During the last 10 seasons they have played Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool on 80 occasions in total and won only 11. Spurs need to change this stat and improve their consistency by ridding themselves of any complacency issues. Or maybe it isn’t complacency at all. After all, as pointed out Spurs have strangely won very little in their history, especially when held in comparison to other clubs, so have struggled to ever establish a winning mentality. If they are to shed their image as one of the most under-achieving sides in football, either complacency or mentality must be changed. But which is it?
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have you ever heard of martin jol? mid table before redtwat? do you know anything at all mug?
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jimmyareabi Reply:
August 3rd, 2011 at 8:40 pm
Yes, the two 5th place finishes under Jol(pre-Redknapp),were amidst an 18-year period when Spurs mostly fluxuating between 7th and 15th place finishes, then after Jol, 8th & 11th. This constitutes mid-table over a large period of time and for the majority of the Premier League era.
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I agree with Rich G we have been slowly improving and everyone puts this down to Harry. Martin Jol was doing a great job till that mug Comolli & DL undermined him WRT Berbatov. Redknap inherited a good squad on the cusp. I feel for Juande and Roy Hodgeson who inherited a talented bunch of talented spoilt brats. Fortunately both Harry & Kenny both have the backing of the board and had em by the short & curlies at that point in time. We are a plc and this is the difference we have to be run by law as a proper company not a rich boys plaything. DLs bad decision making WRT managers has been the killer in the last 20 years. Really no stability since Keith Burkinshaw
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It is a good article but not if you are a Johny come lately supporter. I have been aware of this problem since the 50s where the desire to play attractive football almost relegated us.
Some of the above comments are moronic to say the least and even GG if left alone would have won more than the league Cup but the usual idiots had their way and everyobe else cheered when we sacked GG. I hated his football but he would have won more but the fairy “attractive football at all costs” supporters have almost ruibed our club. Backbonbe is necessary then attractive football.
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