An Interview with Tottenham’s Janssen via Dutch Magazine Helden
Tottenham needed a backup striker as cover for Harry Kane and found one in Vincent Janssen for £17 million.
In an interview with Barbara Barend of Dutch magazine Helden, she asked Vincent Janssen a few questions regarding his decision to join Tottenham.
Although it was quite obvious why Spurs needed Janssen, the main reason he chose the north London club in another interview during the summer, was because he genuinely liked the team after speaking with Mauricio Pochettino and Daniel Levy.
That answer alone is enough as is. But for those who want to know more, Babara Barend does a great job of asking specific questions.
Like, why move to England (specifically, Tottenham) when there were other offers? Or, why join Spurs when Harry Kane is the unquestioned starter?
Ultimately, Vincent Janssen’s answer remained the same, he felt like Spurs were a good fit. But there’s more depth to them. Details that weren’t said before.
Anyways, here’s a heavily edited and translated version of the interview. The original can be found in the link up top. Enjoy!
After one year, you wanted to leave AZ after being named the Golden Boot winner in the Eredivisie with 27 goals. Were Ajax and PSV never considered prior to joining Tottenham?
“Yes, because PSV had Luuk de Jong and Ajax had Arkadiusz Milik. So why should they pick Vincent Janssen? Moreover, AZ found out that I was worth more than €20 million.”
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“By then, clubs in the Netherlands drop out. They don’t try to sign someone that expensive. I was priceless for AZ following my first season in the Eredivisie.”
We don’t know how much you earn, but based on your transfer fee, it has to be quite a lot. Was the Premier League’s new domestic TV deal a reason why you chose Tottenham? Because of the injection of more money?
“No. I did not choose Spurs for the money. Believe me, I had other offers elsewhere where I could have earned more. Even in England.”
“Tottenham’s chairman Daniel Levy said that he and Mauricio Pochettino wanted me and that by playing with pride every time, I would represent Spurs very well. Hearing that helped play a part in making my decision.”
Were you surprised that Tottenham paid €19 million (£17 million) after just one year?
“Not really, because there were other clubs who were willing to pay even more money than Spurs. But I immediately told AZ: ‘I just want to sign for Spurs and not another club that might be offering more’.”
“They weren’t bad clubs, they played in lovely leagues. But VfL Wolfsburg and another Premier League club weren’t the right fit for me.”
Why were you convinced that Spurs were the right choice when Harry Kane is the starter?
“I found out that AZ spent a day with my agents while Louis Laros [former Players’ Supervisor at the VVCS (Association of Contract Players)] and I visited London.”
“We had a tour of Tottenham’s wonderful training ground and spoke with manager Mauricio Pochettino. He talked to me honestly and said ‘We have Harry Kane, but we can certainly use someone behind him. We’re playing in the Champions League and we’ll play so many games that we need a backup and you’re the type of striker that we’re looking for.'”
“After that visit, I knew I wanted to join one club and that was Spurs. Being given the number nine shirt once again gave me confidence to do my best. Of course I had hoped that I would play more often after Kane got injured. But I am not worried about my playing time now that Kane is back.”
“I have always had the trust of my manager and teammates. The club has given me plenty of time to get acclimated in the Premier League. More opportunities will come.”
Next: Tottenham's Tactical Liberation
At £17 million, and 17 appearances in all competitions, Janssen has scored three goals and has two assists during Harry Kane’s absence. A span of 10 games from September 21st to November 2nd.
During that stretch, the 22-year-old has started seven games and come off of the bench three times. Janssen has appeared in every single game this season and has made the most of his opportunities which has delighted Mauricio Pochettino.
Although he could do a bit more, contributing to five total goals after three months of football is still quite good for a player who has come into a new league, a new environment, playing with new teammates and learning new tactics.