Ryan Mason has admitted that he and the coaching staff do not have enough time to do a lot of tactical work with the team, and he reiterated his desire for the players to stick together ahead of a difficult trip to Anfield.
Mason’s second spell as the interim head coach got off to an impressive start on Thursday as Spurs battled back from two goals down to draw level against Manchester United.
The Lilywhites showed more fight, desire and inventiveness in the second half against the Red Devils than they have for many months.
However, things certainly do not get any easier for Spurs and Mason, with a trip to Anfield now on the horizon.
The 31-year-old called on the players to stick together and fight for one another on Sunday, just as they did against Erik Ten Hag’s men.
Speaking ahead of the game, Mason told Football.London: “Honestly, the message has been to be a group, be together and want to work for each other and then the results will take care of themselves ultimately.
“We’ve had no time to work at all from a tactical point of view. That togetherness and belief in each other is key for Sunday and we have a clear week next week where we can get into them, give them information and try to change some things.”
Mason opted not to make any sweeping tactical changes for his first game in charge, sticking with a back three, and the former Spurs midfielder has now spoken of the need to play a system that brings the best out of the players at his disposal.
He added: “Honestly, at the moment we have got personnel and players that we need to try and get the best out of.
“There is no point playing a system or style of football that doesn’t suit the personnel on the football pitch because ultimately you are setting them up to fail.
“Obviously there needs to be an alignment between the style of play and the approach you want to take but also the tools you have.
“We’re aware of that at this moment in time but probably most importantly the intent is key.
“Regardless of what the formation is, the togetherness, the aggressiveness and the will to work for each other is probably the most important thing in all the top teams.”
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One would expect Mason to stick with a back three for the clash on Sunday, particularly with Emerson Royal still out of action as Porro does not seem well suited to playing as a right-back in a back four.
The second-half performance against United should give some confidence to the players and hopefully, they carry that momentum forward with a good display at Anfield.