Fears Spurs are stuck in the same rut
SALARY CEILING HARMS POCH PLANS
Mauricio Pochettino was at pains to stress that Tottenham are in a stronger position now than last season — and there is truth in what he says.
Spurs have 24 Premier League points after 13 games — an identical tally to this time last year — but progress has been made in the champions League, top spot in a group including real Madrid.
Pochettino, whose side are away at Leicester tonight, said: ‘The team has improved, maybe not enough to win the Premier League but we are competing and feel proud because the team is building a fantastic structure, and we need time.’
Talk of the wheels coming off is premature but concerns linger. The deficit to leaders Manchester city is now 13 points following a weekend when Tottenham were held to a draw at home by struggling West Bromwich albion. it was enough for Pochettino to concede defeat in the title race, though it is thought that was to ease pressure on his players.
But there is a growing fear that Spurs will be stuck in the same rut if the club’s financial restrictions are not relaxed, particularly the wage structure, a much discussed topic among Pochettino’s squad.
Not only are the players concerned about salaries — when some clubs are paying three times as much — but also that it is harder to attract the calibre of footballer needed to take them to the next level with a ceiling of around £110,000 per week.
Pochettino’s answer to a question about the return of Erik Lamela, in line to make his first appearance in 13 months tonight following surgery on both hips, was also indicative of internal frustrations at the spending capacity.
When asked whether the argentine’s return to fitness was like having a new signing, Pochettino replied: ‘But he’s not a new player? He’s been here four-and-a-half years. it’s a tricky question.’
inevitably, keeping Harry Kane fit and sharp will be key in Tottenham’s pursuit of city. The England striker has already suffered knee and hamstring problems, possibly a direct result of his huge workload that has seen him play international football in two of the last three summers.
Getting to grips with playing at Wembley is another issue. Dropping points in four of their seven home league games so far has proved a major setback.
Getting Dele alli firing on all cylinders again would be useful as so far this season he has not hit the lofty heights of the previous two. it has not gone unnoticed by Pochettino and his staff. Nor has alli’s subdued demeanour.
Something seems to be eating away at the supremely talented midfielder. Speculation over his future has been amplified after
Sportsmail revealed in august that he was looking for new representation, having decided to leave agent rob Segal.
a meeting with Jorge Mendes, who is extremely well connected at real Madrid, set tongues wagging but it is safe to say chairman Daniel Levy will not be railroaded into selling alli this summer. Sources insist Levy’s resolve to keep him beyond next summer has been strengthened by his search for a new agent.