Opinion: The Tottenham mentality problem and the need for a new vision

The psychological side of football is hugely underappreciated in terms of the impact it has on the players and the club, and Spurs have had an embedded culture of being ‘Spursy’ for an extended period.

After the draw at Goodison Park, the mentality of Tottenham was once again questioned after they failed to hold a one-goal, one-man advantage.

For a number of years, Spurs have notoriously failed to hold on to advantages, and particularly have been labelled as ‘bottlers’. While that is generally a lazy label, the performance of the last 20 minutes assisted that prophecy.

The toughest job a coach has when they join a club is installing their mentality in the club and changing the negative mindset that probably caused the previous manager to be fired.

Tottenham fans have been praying for a side that does not instantly collapse at the thought of pressure at a time of meaning.

Antonio Conte and the rest of the footballing world were once again proved correct this week. Spurs seemed to almost add pressure to themselves.

It was almost as if Conte’s words in the post-match press conference at Southampton reciprocated on the pitch. The belief and intensity to hold on last night was non-existent.

It feels as if the idea that Spurs have an inability to avoid crumbling in important moments is impossible. The performance accentuated that with the sloppy passes around the back and the defensive mindset after Harry Kane’s penalty.

The most damning evidence of the belief about Tottenham lies with Giorgio Chiellini’s interview in 2018 after knocking Spurs out of the Champions League game, where they conceded two goals in three minutes at Wembley.

Chiellini said there was a belief amongst the Juventus side that Spurs would collapse, as it is in their history to do so.

There is no doubt that psychologically this plays on the mind of every footballer playing for or against Spurs. Everyone has heard the unforgettable Sir Alex Ferguson ‘lads, it’s Tottenham’ quote.

Psychologically, every team to ever face Spurs must believe in this weakness, particularly with the current set of players.

Tottenham have got far to go in terms of shifting the perspective on the club. Under Daniel Levy’s tenure, Spurs have been more consistently near the top end of the table but only one EFL Cup is unacceptable for the standards at the club. With the best facilities in the country, Spurs must do better.

A revamp of the current squad is needed. Too many familiar faces who have repeatedly failed Spurs in important games still sit in the changing room. The idea that you can succeed without drastic change is a mentality in which the board and directors have to realise.

The fans have high standards for Tottenham. Truthfully, fourth place is about the best the club can do at this moment in time. With no clear strategic plan, succession cannot be visible.

Comparing to other clubs, such as Spurs’ neighbours Arsenal, a clear upwards trajectory has been visible since the appointment of Mikel Arteta.

Daniel Levy needs to lay out a plan to win silverware with Tottenham over the next few years, and his first job is finding a manager who can match the vision and DNA of the football club. That manager needs to focus on shifting the naturally weak mindset, like Pochettino once achieved.

Repeatedly making poor decisions does not reflect well, and the recent controversy with director of football Fabio Paratici does not help. Additionally hiring Cristian Stellini, Conte’s number two as his replacement. Levy must begin to make positive decisions to earn trust.

Tottenham must be able to compete financially with their counterparts to be taken seriously and have a clear strategy in the transfer market.

The general feeling is that Spurs just sign who they wish without thinking whether there is a positive benefit for the future.

Signing 33-year-old Ivan Perisic and 19-year-old Destiny Udogie in the same window does not represent that.

One thing is for certain – the psychology in football has an everlasting effect and time is necessary for effective change.

Tottenham must start taking positive steps and provide a clear vision, because fans are growing frustrated, and it looks extremely blurry as it stands.

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