It is GCSE results day across England, and at Tottenham’s modern training facility in Enfield, academy players are seen celebrating as they hold their certificates, while parents wait anxiously in the main reception. At Tottenham, the ultimate aspiration is to break into the first team, though academic achievement is also highly valued.
“Straight sixes,” one young player exclaims, referring to his results in the new grading system, where a six indicates a solid B grade, just shy of the top marks.
This sentiment resonates with Tottenham’s first season under manager Ange Postecoglou, which has shown promise but also inconsistency. The team secured eight wins and two draws in their first ten matches—a record for a Premier League manager in his debut season—but faltered thereafter, finishing two points shy of a Champions League spot.
Defender Cristian Romero has emerged as a key figure for the team. His accomplishments with Argentina, winning two Copa America titles and a World Cup, have established him among the top defenders globally. Following his standout performances, the challenge now for Romero is to replicate that success at club level. With Everton set to visit Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this Saturday, the anticipation is palpable.
“Honestly, I haven’t had much pre-season as I returned right at the end,” Romero stated. “However, the group is in great shape. Our first game against Leicester may have ended in a draw, but there were plenty of positives to build on.”
Romero stands out not just for his robust defensive capabilities, but also for his goal-scoring prowess, having netted five goals last season, the highest by any Premier League defender. Despite the pressure of performing in the new season, he emphasizes that preparation and focus are paramount for success.
Speaking about the team’s approach this season, Romero noted, “We’re all focused on the same goals. While our aim is clear—to win a trophy—achieving it requires consistent hard work and commitment in every training session.”
Under Postecoglou, Tottenham has been striving to reshape its identity. Last season, the team showcased an aggressive playing style, ranking only behind Manchester City for the most high turnovers and averaging the least opposition passes allowed per defensive action. Romero expressed confidence in this approach: “We all enjoy playing this way. It suits our strengths and allows us to regain possession quickly.”
As the 2023/24 season progresses, the team understands the importance of resilience and improvement in previously weak areas, such as defending set-pieces. If they can overcome these challenges, there’s hope that this year could be the turning point they’ve been searching for.
With their eyes set firmly on the upcoming match against Everton, Tottenham is prepared to demonstrate their capabilities and aim for all three points at home. The journey starts now, and the stakes have never been higher.
