Having endured a roller-coaster ride during the 2019/20 season, Tottenham Hotspur fans can look forward to the next campaign with renewed optimism.
The departure of manager Mauricio Pochettino back in November was a shock to the system and Jose Mourinho’s appointment as his replacement wasn’t universally welcomed.
However, Mourinho inspired an upturn in the team’s fortunes, securing a top six place to qualify for next season’s Europa League.
Read on as look at the latest state-of-play at Spurs and assess some of the key issues the club must address if they are to kick-on next term.
Mourinho Still has the Midas Touch
If Spurs’ record under Mourinho was extended over a full 38-game season, the team would have been challenging for a fifth consecutive top four finish.
They were 14th in the Premier League standings when he took over from Pochettino, but turned things around to drive Spurs up to sixth position.
The team conceded 30 goals in 26 games under Mourinho, a significant improvement on the 17 conceded in the first 12 games with Pochettino in charge.
Many pundits thought Mourinho was a busted flush after he was sacked by Manchester United, but he has already started to prove his doubters wrong.
Kane Remains the Key to Success
Spurs can be backed at odds of 66/1 to win the 2020/21 Premier League title and that looks to be a fair reflection of their chances.
A more realistic aim will be a top four finish and it is fair to say that hanging onto striker Harry Kane will be the key to achieving that aim.
Despite missing a chunk of the season through injury, Kane still bagged 18 league goals and he is undoubtedly their most important player.
Missing out on the Champions League may lead to Kane considering his future, although the club has already assured Mourinho that he will not be sold.
Squad Issues Must be Addressed
Mourinho has indicated that Spurs won’t be spending big amounts on one player this summer, but there are numerous areas he needs to address.
Defensive improvements are the number one priority, particularly with Jan Vertonghen leaving the club after failing to agree a new deal.
Switching Eric Dier to defence on a permanent basis may resolve that problem, but would leave them requiring another defensive midfielder.
Signing another playmaker and a quality back-up for Kane are other issues that must be resolved if Spurs are to force themselves back into the top four.
Improvements Elsewhere Give Spurs a Problem
One of the biggest challenges Spurs will face next season is the improvements that many of their main rivals will make to their respective squads.
Liverpool have indicated that they are unlikely to splash the cash, but the rest of the ‘Big Six’ are sure to be busy during the transfer window.
While catching the Reds and Manchester City is likely to prove beyond Spurs, competing with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal should be the minimum requirement.
If Mourinho makes the necessary additions to his squad, then Spurs should certainly be capable of mounting a top four challenge next season.