by Pete Whittingham
It has been a target they have since longed for and Tottenham Hotspur might finally be on ther verge of qualifying for the Champions League next season. However, from a more optimistic vantage point a few months ago, things are not looking so bright at the moment. While Spurs are still sitting pretty in fourth place, which is the last berth available for English Premiership clubs to get into the premier European football tournament, they actually face some disadvantage compared to the three other teams that are competing against them for the treasured spot.
For one, Spurs have played a couple of games more than the likes of Aston Villa and Manchester City. In that respect, they also do not have a huge lead over the two clubs in terms of points. The North London club could be easily overtaken by those two if they were to pick up maximum points from their games in hand. Liverpool is the other club in contention for the prestigious competition, and they have experience in their favour. Compared to the Reds, Spurs have never qualified for the Champions League since its inception, and nerves could be jangling when the race goes down to the wire in the final months.
However, there are some points that might swing the balance in favour of Tottenham Hotspur in their bid to reach the Champions League. These are discussed below and could prove to see Spurs making history and reaping the benefits, mostly financial, of a maiden appearance in the tournament next season.
1. Maturity of the players Spurs used to be accused of lacking in mental aptitude. Many a times they were tipped to be serious title contenders but the team would fail and falter under pressure. After current manager Harry Redknapp took over the reins last season, there have been clear signs that the players are maturing with each game. This can only serve them well when the going gets tough nearer the finishing line.
2. Better team effort The club has been famous for all the great individual players in the past. Football geniuses like Glenn Hoddle, Paul Gascoigne and Gary Lineker were the fabric of Spurs legends. However, this often led to prima donna attitudes and also a lack of team play and discipline. The club does not lack great players currently - Luka Modric and Jermain Defoe would spring to mind, but Redknapp has also instilled proper teamwork and a willingness in the players to work hard for each other.
3. Healthy club finances Unlike many of the other English Premiership clubs currently facing a myraid of financial problems, Tottenham Hotspur balance their books well. Despite a constant flurry of activity in the transfer market, the club is well funded through various revenue generating businesses and proper management within. It has thus allowed the manager to reinforce the team with quality players to move the club forward on the pitch.
While it would be classically Spurs to have one brilliant individual footballer to lead the club into the Champions League, the reasons above show that there is a greater emphasis on the team in modern times. It is also this main factor that will finally allow the sleeping North London giant to finally join the ranks of the football bigwigs and evolve into an even bigger presence on the European stage.
About the Author
Pete Whittingham is a football journalist based in North London. It is clear that Pete's affiliations are with Tottenham Hotspur and he often shares his love for the club on his site.
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