Former Tottenham star Glenn Hoddle believes that Mauricio Pochettino can inspire Tottenham Hotspur to the silverware. Hoddle played almost 500 matches for Spurs from 1975-1987. The peak of his form came during a period that is one of the finest in the club’s history. From 1981-1984, Tottenham Hotspur won four trophies that included the UEFA Cup.
And the former Tottenham star now thinks that Pochettino an bring the club back to its glory days. The former England manager said, “I’ve met Mauricio a few times now. He’s a level-headed guy but also he wants to be a winner. For me, he has to concentrate on winning the first trophy, even if it’s a cup rather than the league, as that can be an important stepping stone. The manager has a lot on his plate what with challenging for the league and the Champions League and you have to wonder if he has the depth of squad to cope with all of that.
The manager has a lot on his plate what with challenging for the league and the Champions League and you have to wonder if he has the depth of squad to cope with all of that. It sends out the right signals that trophies will be won and more will be won, which is what I experienced as a player with Spurs.
It was amazing how there was a jump in confidence and real belief for three or four years once that first trophy arrived. That happened to us in 1981 when we had won nothing for something like ten years. We won the FA Cup and went back and won it again the following year and, in 1984, we won the Uefa Cup. A trophy is the platform for more success but also to keep players — otherwise they will want to go elsewhere in search of success.”
The former Tottenham star also said that no signings from the club during the summer transfer window worried him. He said, “I was a little bit anxious at the start of the season when the club didn’t go out and buy. But you have to trust the manager and so far he has insisted he’s happy with his squad. It would be devastating for the team to lose any of their players. I’m sure they will have a good run at it in the league and even the Champions League again. But to bond the team together even more you need to start picking up trophies.”
About the club’s new stadium, Hoddle said, “It’s a shame the new stadium isn’t quite ready and that was seen as a negative, as was the lack of signings. It would be quite an irony after all the stick they’ve taken over the new Lane if they keep on winning at Wembley”
The former Tottenham star also expressed his delight over the progress of Lucas Moura. Moura has scored three goals for the club in as many matches. Hoddle said, “At the beginning of the season I could see he was starting to improve a lot and it’s what I had expected. When he arrived he hadn’t had much game time with Paris Saint-Germain and didn’t look match fit, or sharp. But you could see he was a talent and capable of wonderful goals.
Now he’s had more of a foundation in a solid pre-season, he can make an improvement in the team and will push Heung-min Son for a place. That is healthy, to have that competition.”
Spurs are currently 2nd in the table and face Watford tomorrow.
