Why Tottenham Will Be A Different Animal In Europe This Season
For the second year in a row, Tottenham Hotspur will be taking part in the group stages of the Champions League this season. A feat that not many people in England might have seen coming given the club’s lack of progress in previous editions of the Champions League.
Despite a good run in domestic football last season, Spurs failed to make it past the group stages of the Champions League. But, Pochettino seems to have different plans this season, as he looks to place the London club amongst Europe’s elite.
Despite being drawn in a really difficult group, which has the likes of Borussia Dortmund, reigning European champions Real Madrid, and Apoel. Now that they got the better of Dortmund in the opening group game, Spurs will definitely fancy their chances of progressing past the group stages.
This is only the third time that Spurs have made it to Champions League, with their first appearance coming in the 2010-11 season, where they managed to reach the quarterfinals of the tournament under Harry Redknapp.
This time around, Spurs have a fantastic manager in the form of Mauricio Pochettino and a young talented squad that has the likes of Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane who have all been core to Tottenham’s domestic rise in recent years.
The London club will hold no bars this season in the Champions League, having learnt from their past mistakes. There is no reason why Spurs can’t absolutely dominate the European tournament with the quality of players they have at their disposal.
Pochettino has harboured a set of players who perfectly balance the team’s defence and the attack. Spurs were notably the best defensive unit in England in the last two league campaigns and conceded 35 and 26 goals respectively. After challenging for the title last season, they were only pipped by eventual champions Chelsea.
Not to forget, Spurs have some players in their ranks, who can individually win games for the club. Players like Dele Alli and Harry Kane have announced themselves to the world with their incredible performances for the club in the last few years.
Although Europe might be a tougher task for Spurs, one cannot count out any side in the Champions League. There have been many instances in the past when underdogs prevailed to be better than the best.
Tottenham showed what they are capable of, with a brilliant 3-1 win over Dortmund. More than the victory, it’s the manner in which they carried themselves on the pitch. Their intent was clearly visible. Pochettino hardly celebrated Tottenham’s second goal. The focus was incredible.
If Spurs can even grab a point against Real Madrid, then that would mark the beginning of something special this season.