On Tuesday night, Tottenham exited the Carabao Cup at the third round stage, after losing a penalty shootout against League Two Colchester United. While the competition will not be high on Spurs priority list, it was lacklustre display from the team.
After the match head coach Mauricio Pochettino told Sky Sports that he was already looking to the January transfer window to strengthen his squad. In truth, the team look stale and it seems difficult for the boss to turn things around.
Terrible away from home
One of the main weaknesses that Spurs have as a team is that they are terrible on their travels. Not only did they suffer a defeat at Colchester, but a 2-1 defeat at Leicester in their last Premier League match on their travels means that they have failed to win in nine away matches, having suffered seven defeats.
That sort of record looks on paper to be more like that of a team looking to avoid relegation, neither mind challenge for a top-four spot or the Premier League title. It was just a good job they were impressive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at the end of last season, as they would not have made the top-four otherwise.
Tottenham are once again one of the favourites in the Premier League to make the Champions League this season, despite their unconvincing home form.
Questions over Pochettino managerial ability
It is strange really, as Tottenham boss Pochettino is a victim of his own success. He has turned Tottenham into a top-four regular in recent seasons. However, such is human nature, the fans now want the team to move to the next level and win the title.
Unfortunately, financially Spurs are unwilling to compete with the likes of Manchester City or Liverpool. Tottenham brought in Tanguy Ndombele, Ryan Sessegnon and Giovani Lo Celso last summer, but that was after 18 months of no new additions. The teams perceived lack of progress is now leading to question marks over Pochettino’s managerial acumen. Many believe the Argentine to be one of the best coaches in the Premier League, if not Europe.
The job he has done with Tottenham been extraordinary. In reality, though, he may have taken the north London team as far as he can. Pochettino turned Spurs is a very competent team without major investment in players.
It would be highly ridiculous to question his managerial abilities. If he had the right financial backing from the club’s hierarchy, then maybe Spurs would be real contenders for the top-flight title by now. He has not and the team has stood still.
Next summer could be all change at Tottenham
Tottenham will probably still finish in the Premier League’s top-four this season. However, that may be because the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United are in seasons of transition.
This summer could see big changes at the club. Christian Eriksen, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen are all out-of-contract and the trio could leave as free agents. The biggest change could be in the managerial seat, though.
Rumours persist that Pochettino is likely to leave Spurs next summer. Maybe the relationship has run its course and it is time for both to move on. Something has to change at the north London club, though, because at the minute all is not rosy in the Spurs garden.
Will Mauricio Pochettino leave Tottenham next summer?
