Tottenham Hotspur's journey through the 2024-25 season has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by a dramatic escape from relegation and a promising end to the campaign. However, the club faces a critical juncture as it navigates the post-relegation euphoria and looks towards a brighter future under the leadership of Roberto De Zerbi. The question on every Spurs fan's mind is: who stays, who goes, and who is brought in to shape the De Zerbi revolution?
The Boardroom
The boardroom is where the most significant changes are needed. The ownership regime, led by ENIC and the Lewis Family, has been under scrutiny for its mismanagement and lack of transparency. The appointment of Vinai Venkatesham as CEO was meant to bring about change, but the results have been underwhelming. The club's financial struggles, with debts and a leaking purse, have cast a shadow over the entire operation. The departure of Daniel Levy and his trusted lieutenants was a step in the right direction, but the new leadership has yet to inspire confidence.
The appointment of Thomas Frank as manager and Igor Tudor as his replacement were controversial choices, and the club's luck in convincing De Zerbi to take on the challenge is a testament to the chaos that has ensued. The boardroom needs a shake-up, and the fans are calling for ENIC and Vinai to go. However, the process of selling the club is complex and time-consuming, and there are no signs of it happening anytime soon.
The Sporting Director
The sporting director role is another area in dire need of change. Johan Lange, who arrived when the team was at the top of the Premier League, has failed to deliver. His reign has been marked by a lack of successful transfers and a disastrous pronouncement about not panicking during the January transfer window. Lange's departure is a no-brainer, and the club should be looking to bring in someone with a fresh perspective and a proven track record, like Sebastian Kehl from Borussia Dortmund.
The Medical Department
The medical department has been under the microscope for its handling of injuries. The club has suffered an unprecedented injury crisis, with no senior player avoiding the treatment room. The unusual design of the new stadium has been blamed, but the mismanagement of injuries is a more pressing issue. The club needs to overhaul its medical staff and address the root causes of the injury crisis.
Outgoings
The squad needs a refresh, and several players are likely to leave. Cristian Romero, an ineffective captain and an unreliable player, is surely gone. Richarlison, who scored 11 vital goals, has also played his last game for the club. The loan deal of Randal Kolo Muani will not be made permanent, and Guglielmo Vicario is likely to return to Italy. The club needs to offload these players and use the funds to bring in new talent.
Retentions
De Zerbi has identified 10-12 players who are good enough to play for Spurs. The list includes key players like Pedro Porro, Micky van de Ven, and Conor Gallagher, who have been revitalized under De Zerbi. The club should retain these players and focus on strengthening the squad in other areas.
Incomings
The summer transfer window is where Spurs will make or break their season. The club needs to bring in 'first-level' players who can make an immediate impact. The attack is the area that needs the most attention, with the guile of James Maddison, the hard running of Dejan Kulusevski, and the dribbling of Mohammed Kudus addressing the team's glaring weakness. The club should also look to bring in experienced players like Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi to add depth and quality to the squad.
In conclusion, Tottenham Hotspur has a critical summer ahead of it. The club needs to make bold decisions and bring in the right people to shape the De Zerbi revolution. The fans are calling for change, and the club must respond to avoid another season of misery. The future of Spurs is at stake, and the time to act is now.
