Pundit Chris Waddle has laid the blame for Tottenham Hotspur’s struggles firmly at the door of the club’s hierarchy, insisting a change in manager will not fix the deeper issues.
Spurs are hovering just above the relegation zone after a difficult campaign that has already seen Igor Tudor depart after only 44 days in charge, following on from Thomas Frank.
A heavy defeat to Nottingham Forest before the international break left them in 17th place and under serious pressure.
Despite links with Roberto De Zerbi, Waddle does not believe a new appointment will make any meaningful difference.
Players are not good enough
“I don’t think a new manager at Tottenham changes a thing,” he said in an exclusive interview with bookmaker 10Bet.
“The players aren’t good enough and that isn’t going to change if a new manager comes in.
“I’m looking at the squad, looking at individuals that don’t look like they’ve got the stomach or the ability to pull the club out of the hole it’s in.”
While Waddle spoke of his affection for the club, he made it clear that the problems run far deeper than results on the pitch.
“I had some great years at Tottenham and have a lot of affection for the club,” he added.
“I have a huge amount of respect for the fans and feel for them – it’s sad to watch what has happened to the club this season.”
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Managerial changes
He pointed to the calibre of managers Spurs have appointed in recent years as evidence that the real issue lies elsewhere.
“Look at the managers that Tottenham have had in recent years. Antonio Conte. Jose Mourinho. These are proven winners,” he said.
“Did anything change? It’s not about the managers; it’s about changing the culture at the top of the club.”
Waddle believes recruitment and decision-making at board level are at the heart of Tottenham’s decline, adding: “Tottenham have the best stadium in the country and the best training facilities.
“They don’t have the best players and until the board changes its recruitment policy, then the club will always struggle. They won’t ever be able to challenge at the top end of the table.”
Fearing the worst
With West Ham United closing in and the relegation battle intensifying, Waddle fears the worst.
“Where do Tottenham go from here? It’s looking like the Championship. I’m really concerned and worried about what is happening at the football club,” Waddle said.
“I cannot believe a club of that size are in the position that they’re in.”
Following the defeat to Forest, he believes Spurs are firmly among the favourites to go down, saying: “After the result against Forest, Tottenham Hotspur are basically the favourites for that third relegation spot.
“Hopefully three or four players will come back (after the international break), but are they good enough? Will it be enough?
“That’s the big question for Tottenham: Are the players good enough and do they have the bottle for a relegation fight? Can they roll up their sleeves?”
Waddle remains unconvinced that the current squad can turn things around.
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Not convinced
“I’m not convinced that this group of players have got enough about them to stop the rot,” he added.
“Tottenham are miles off the pace. I thought they’ve turned a corner after improved performances against Atletico Madrid and Liverpool – then they go back to zero with the Forest performance.
“No confidence on the ball. They didn’t really cause Forest any problems.”
He also highlighted long-term decline, insisting recent success masked deeper flaws.
“Yes, they’ve had some bad luck with injuries, but Tottenham have been sliding for years now.
“The Europa League win papered over a few cracks – this group of players simply aren’t good enough to be challenging in the Premier League.”
In a real mess
Ultimately, Waddle returned to his central point – the responsibility lies with those running the club.
“The players need to take some responsibility, but the main culprit are the board and leadership of the club.
“They haven’t invested money in players; they’re always buying for the future, but Tottenham need better players for the now.
“The club is in a real mess. They’re miles away from being a top club in the Premier League.”
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