Tottenham don’t need rivals’ pity or praise
By Ryan Wrenn
Mauricio Pochettino made it abundantly clear in Friday’s pre-friendly press conference that Tottenham do not require appraisal from their rivals.
Over the last week, both Antonio Conte of Chelsea and Jose Mourinho of Manchester United saw fit to opine about the state of things at Tottenham. Their words ranged from the surprisingly kind-hearted to the outright condescending.
Mourinho is known for stirring the pot, either in the cause of psychological warfare or perhaps simply from boredom. It wouldn’t be surprising if he attempted to get a rise out of Pochettino and his team, especially considering how far United’s star has fallen during Spurs’ own meteoric rise.
To the surprise of many though, the Portuguese took time to simultaneously talk down his own side’s chances while also praising Tottenham ahead of the new season. As quoted by the Guardian:
"“I don’t think we are big candidates for the title but we are [candidates]. Everybody speaks about the dimension of the investment at Man City but there is another team that I feel the dimension of their investment is also phenomenal – Tottenham. Until now they spent zero pounds, right? They keep everybody they want to keep. They keep Dele Alli, [Harry] Kane and [Toby] Alderweireld, they keep Eric Dier, they keep everyone they want to keep."
Spurs’ unusual lack of activity on the transfer market this summer invites no shortage of hot takes, but it’s surprising to hear it so kindly appraised from such a rival as Mourinho. Then again, there might be some reverse psychology going on here. It’s honestly difficult to tell with the two-time Champions League winner.
Almost as opaque were Conte’s comments on Spurs’ chances in the Premier League and Champions League in the coming year.
After lavishing now-obligatory praise on Harry Kane, the Italian delivered a backhanded assessment of Spurs’ expectations.
"If [Spurs] don’t win the title, it’s not a tragedy. If they don’t arrive in the Champions League, it’s not a tragedy. For Chelsea, Arsenal, City, United and… I don’t know… Liverpool, it is a tragedy.”"
To paraphrase, Spurs aren’t so big of a club at the present time to worry about missing out on trophies. Such honors, it’s implied, were never attainable in the first place.
It’s hardly a surprise that Pochettino would react to such soundbites. When asked in a press conference ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Manchester CIty in Nashville, the Argentine responded in typically sober fashion.
"“I am not a manager who likes to speak about another club, another manager. I like to show respect. I expect the same from the people who compete with us.”"
Spurs and Pochettino are not clamoring for the opinions of their rivals. They do not require — or even appreciate — the fawning attention give to their stay names like Kane or Dele Alli. They do not need to be picked as favorites. They do not exist, in short, to meet or exceed their rivals’ expectations.
After three consecutive seasons of progress, it was inevitable that Spurs would get the new kid treatment. They have risen into the vacuum left by waning title challengers like United and Arsenal, and still few of the clubs perennially at the top of the Premier League table expect them to stick around.
Next: Tottenham friendlies presage upcoming priorities
It’s clear though that Pochettino’s plan is working, and that he has no intention of slowing down now.