Former Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Toby Alderweireld has now explained the key decisions Spurs must make following their dismal 25-26 season.
Many Tottenham Hotspur fans will be relieved that the 2025-26 season is over and that it was not worse than it was.
A 17th-place finish for the second season running saw Tottenham involved in a full-blown relegation battle, with their status uncertain until a final-day victory over Everton.
Of course, it could have been much worse had Tottenham not taken drastic measures, sacking both Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor before finally bringing in Roberto De Zerbi, who guided them to safety.
Toby Alderweireld tells Tottenham how to rebuild after difficult season
Spurs must now learn from a dismal campaign as they continue to prepare for next season, and one of the club’s most successful players in recent years has shared exactly what he believes they need to do.
Alderweireld helped Tottenham finish in the top three on three separate occasions, as well as reaching a first-ever Champions League final.
Speaking to FourFourTwo, he explained why Spurs must ensure they never find themselves in a relegation scrap again, while also stressing the importance of identifying players capable of handling pressure and committing to the club’s long-term project.
He said, “They need to know that this can never, ever happen again. Imagine if they went down, it would have been catastrophic.
“They need to go through the squad and think, ‘Who can handle the pressure? Who is good enough, and who is not?’
“Then the big players. Do you want to stay? Do you really want to stay? Then build from there and give the manager time. Even if it is not going 100 per cent well, give him time.
“I think he deserves it, because he gave us the points to stay in the Premier League. Spurs need some stability now.”
Toby Alderweireld highlights what Spurs need as they rebuild their squad
Spurs head into the next campaign with a clean slate and the opportunity to put last season behind them. Spurs Web believes Tottenham, despite their struggles last time out, can replicate Leicester City’s success from the 2015-16 season.
The league could be there for the taking, with many of the division’s bigger sides embarking on new eras of their own.
Alderweireld, however, believes having reliable leaders throughout the team will improve Spurs’ chances of a stronger campaign.
Explaining what leadership looks like and why a strong spine is vital, he told FourFourTwo: “You have a leader that shouts a lot, but a leader for me is to play seven out of 10 all the time – eight, nine, but not four out of 10.
“You need to count on them, especially the spine of the team. You need to know that they can deliver every week. The spine needs to be good – centre-backs, defensive midfielder, goalkeeper.
“That needs to be very solid, and you see with Arsenal, their spine is very good. Then you get good results.”
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