Tottenham Hotspur: A New Era of Evolution and Excitement
Oct 27, 2023, 05:38 AM ET
At this early stage of the season, it would be easy to suggest that Tottenham Hotspur is a new and improved version of itself — like version 2.0 with go-faster stripes and a cup holder included. But perhaps it still faces the challenge of the occasional setback, like dodgy wheels that come off at the most inopportune moments. However, across both the men’s and women’s teams, there is undoubtedly a sense of a newer, more evolved, and dynamic Spurs. The entire club has embraced the “one badge, one team” values.
After struggling with inconsistent styles and underperforming players in recent years, a change was necessary. The women’s team took action by sacking Rehanne Skinner in March, when they were just two points above the relegation zone. With interim boss Vicky Jepson, they finished ninth, their lowest position since being promoted to the Women’s Super League (WSL) in 2019. The men’s team ended the season under interim boss Ryan Mason, missing out on Europe and losing star striker Harry Kane to Bayern Munich.
However, the recruitment team made significant changes during the summer by hiring two new managers: Ange Postecoglou for the men’s team and Robert Vilahamn for the women’s team, both known for their attacking style. And both teams have hit the ground running this season. The men lead the Premier League with seven wins from nine games, while the women are third in the WSL with three wins from four. For a brief moment on Saturday, both teams were in the No. 1 spot.
But it’s more than just their position in the table or the number of goals they’ve scored. The belief and confidence have returned.
“The vibes are amazing. We’ve signed really good players and I’m loving working with the new manager,” said women’s star Rosella Ayane. “The vibes around the training ground are really good. So, it’s a really positive place to be.”
Ashleigh Neville, the longest-serving player on the women’s team, added, “We’ve started afresh, we’ve had Robert come in, a new captain, new vice-captains, and everyone is invested in what he wants and what the club wants as a team. This season, we have no expectations after last season. We’re just working behind the scenes to get the job done.”
“I think the main thing for us was to be playing exciting football that the fans want to watch. It was more about the performance than ‘we want to be in the Champions League,’ for example. It was about getting set on how we want to play, and then the points will follow, and the table will show that,” Neville explained.
Meanwhile, new men’s signing James Maddison said, “He [Postecoglou] has come in and had his way of playing and his methods. The way he wants us to train day in, day out is infectious. There’s not a day where you can go out and be half-hearted. Every day and every training session is intense, it’s hard, and it’s his way, but we’re reaping the rewards of that on the pitch.”
Postecoglou and Vilahamn have their own unique leadership styles. Postecoglou focuses on improvement and is not shy in pointing out areas that need work, while Vilahamn showers his players with praise. Vilahamn emphasizes the bigger picture and the Swedish philosophy of “one day better, not just one day older.”
Regardless of their different approaches, both managers have instilled a renewed sense of identity and purpose in their respective teams. Postecoglou remains grounded despite Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Fulham, acknowledging the need for improvement. On the other hand, Vilahamn praised his team’s character after their 4-2 comeback win against Aston Villa, highlighting their bravery and adherence to his style of play.
Both managers are realistic about the challenges ahead and the need for player development. Vilahamn understands that setbacks will occur and is focused on helping the team bounce back.
For Vilahamn, it’s been a remarkable journey from his early days at Häcken in Sweden to leading Tottenham to the top end of the table. He has adapted to life outside Sweden and grown alongside his players.
One player who has thrived under Vilahamn’s coaching is Martha Thomas, who has surpassed her previous goal-scoring records and has embraced the team’s attacking style.
At all levels of the club, Tottenham now promotes attacking football and collaboration. The men’s team, the women’s team, and even the youth and academy squads all work together towards a common goal.
“It’s great to see across the board that the men’s team and some of the academy teams are top of their leagues. We’re pushing boundaries and embracing a new era,” Neville said.
Although there may be skeptics who are accustomed to Tottenham’s history of failing to meet expectations, both the men’s and women’s teams have undeniably entered a new era. Excitement, evolution, and a renewed sense of identity are driving their success.
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