Tottenham: Lack of Spending and the Wembley Conudrum

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SteemSports Presenter: @rickie

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SteemSports Editor/Writer: @writingamigo

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Modern day football revolves around money. The massive influx of billionaire club owners makes it paramount that such clubs spend to upgrade their reputation and global value, by purchasing world-class players. Also, the spending practice aims to prove that success can be gotten or achieved by spending. Believe it or not, in recent times the logic has been proven to be factual.

A look at teams like Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Paris St-Germain, etc., goes a long way to prove that money can buy success and trophies in today’s football.

Asides from the money spending and money making, a balance is often sorted to rationalize the grooming of young talents by some of these clubs and transforming these talents into world class football icons.

If spending outweighs growth and development of youngsters within a club, then apparently there is a problem, with the club’s policies and fundamental structure. But then, it is common sense that you have to spend to improve.

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A close look at the north London club, Tottenham FC can somewhat justify how a balance in spending and grooming of youngsters can transform a clubs football philosophy and fortunes. But then, in the case of Tottenham FC, a lack of trophies over the years and near-success syndrome, despite churning out young talents seems to be the bane of their own administrative policies. In order words, Tottenham FC is considered a team that doesn’t spend enough.

In comparison to their London league rivals and major title oppositions, Tottenham is perhaps way behind regarding squad value and squad depth. But club Chairman, Daniel Levy, and Manager Mauricio Pochettino seem confident in themselves and the club’s ability to show financial shrewdness when it comes to transfers.

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What do other managers think?

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Antonio Conte (Chelsea FC) thinks that the ambitions of Tottenham FC as a club is quite low, and that should they finish below the Champions League position at the end of the season, it would not be a tragedy, neither would be considered out of the ordinary, due to the fact that they haven’t spent a lot to improve their team.

Arsene Wenger (Arsenal FC) seems to have admiration for the Tottenham FC side, and their club financial policy, which has seen them maintain a wage cap at £100,000 a week. He also believes they have a strong squad that can compete comfortably in all competitions regardless of large transfer spending.

Jose Mourinho (Manchester United) is quite impressed with Tottenham and how they’ve been able to keep hold of their key players for the new season. He also expects them to be title contenders as well.

For Tottenham Manager, Mauricio Pochettino, he has also spoken and affirms that he isn’t worried about the transfer spree going around, at least not yet. He has stated that he would consider improving his squad depth only if the player coming in can put pressure on his first choice starting eleven. He further stated that the issue with their apparent inactivity in the transfer window has been down to having not seen a player capable of displacing any of his preferred starting eleven, and not necessarily because they can’t afford to sign players. If truth be told, it’s quite understandable, because the amazing performance of his starting eleven has made it difficult for new arrivals at the club to break in.

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The Wembley conudrum

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While Mauricio Pochettino maintains that “Wembley is not the problem, we are the problem”, the question still arises. Can Tottenham FC shake-off the Wembley voodoo?

Last season, after several appearances at Wembley and including making it their home ground for European Competitions, they managed to win only one of their five games at the venue. Now such statistic makes it a dreary thought to consider, seeing as their entire home matches for the 2017/2018 League and European season would be played at the Wembley Stadium.

The 2 – 1 loss to Chelsea, being their first home match of the current season, even makes the claim of ill-luck surrounding Spurs and the Wembley stadium even more pronounced.

After the loss on Sunday, the stats became even dire. Tottenham have now won only once in their last 10 games at the Wembley since they won the League Cup against Chelsea on that ground nine years ago.

Last season Spurs managed 17 wins, and 2 draws at White Hart lane out of 19 Home games. With a move to the Wembley Stadium which is now a home away from home, and with a first home loss already recorded, can Tottenham still replicate such a spectacular home form this season?

The loss to Chelsea was not because of lack of effort or lack a great performance, but it was down to an accident (I say “accident” instead of ‘ill-luck,' because ill-luck is now synonymous with Tottenham and Wembley). The ever-reliable Hugo Lloris got his movement and save-attempt horribly wrong, allowing Marcos Alonso and Chelsea to punch a hole into Spurs’ house-warming party celebrations.

Tottenham would have to overcome this loss very quickly, and perhaps ride it out with a resounding home win in the not too distant future, if they intend to banish their not-so-nice memories of Wembley. With the quality in the squad, it shouldn’t be much of a big ordeal for them to accomplish.

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With the move to the Wembley stadium, do you think Tottenham can still compete favorably for the title while overcoming the Wembley Voodoo this season? Drop your comments.

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