Ange Postecoglou faces a significant challenge in revamping Tottenham Hotspur.
The former Celtic manager has been brought in to clean up the mess that is Spurs, but he faces the daunting task of reviving the fortunes of the club.
Taking over from a period of massive underperformance and discontent, Postecoglou must tackle several critical issues to bring stability back to Spurs.
Read on as we will highlight four key challenges the 57-year-old tactician must address ahead of the coming campaign.
The Kane dilemma
The situation surrounding Harry Kane’s long-term future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been a major talking point this summer amid heavy speculation linking him with a move away.
There are no shortage of potential suitors lining up to snatch the high-profile striker, but Spurs chief Daniel Levy has refused to let go of Kane despite the player having one year left on his contract.
Granted that Tottenham’s chances of returning to the Champions League places are significantly reduced without Kane, but Postecoglou does not need this kind of distraction while trying to rebuild the team.
Kane reportedly wants to leave, although he is unlikely to force a transfer. But there is no point building a team around the talismanic striker if he would only end up parting ways with the club next year.
Perhaps cashing in on the Englishman would truly mark a new beginning at Spurs, with Postecoglou planning a revival in the coming season.
Defensive fragility
Tottenham endured a truly horrible campaign last term, finishing outside the top seven and missing out on any form of European football for the first time in over a decade.
Spurs conceded a whopping 63 goals last season, and for a side looking for a Champions League rebirth, that cannot happen again.
Their defensive fragility played a major role in last season’s colossal failure, and Postecoglou may require a defensive overhaul to fix the wreckage.
Midfield reinforcement
Tottenham have relied on Kane’s creativity for far too long, and they need more inventive players in the squad, especially since the striker’s future is hanging in the balance.
Rodrigo Bentancur is the only creative force Spurs can boast in the middle of the park, but it remains to be seen if he can regain his previous form after suffering a freakish injury last term.
There is also the small task of replacing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who is attracting interest from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.
Yves Bissouma could do a job there, but his injury record has made him unreliable.
Rebuilding Team Morale
Over the years, Tottenham have not been associated with success, but at least they could boast of Champions League football.
However, for most of last season, Spurs were under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, including missing out on European football altogether.
From unprecedented head coach rants, several protestations towards the owners, managerial merry-go-round, and a sporting director scandal, it was no surprise that the players massively underperformed.
Postecoglou must instil a winning mentality, foster a positive team culture, and motivate the players to perform at their best.
Building a cohesive unit and ensuring strong player-manager relationships will be crucial in revitalising team spirit.
