Do we have the team to succeed in Champions' League?

Danners9 · May 2, 2016

I think the Dortmund games this season showed that we aren't quite at the level to compete with the very best. Get out of the group, probably, after that.. well it would depend on the draw but if we came up against someone a bit better, then no.

A few additions, and yes, why not! The base is very strong but a few changes and it really did show against BVB.

Saoirse · May 2, 2016

guy said:
What pot are we likely to be in at this stage?

If we somehow win the league, Pot 1. If about 8 differents scenarios come to pass in our favour in foreign leagues, Pot 2. But failing that and I'd say with a 95%+ probability Pot 3.

Neon_Knight_ · May 2, 2016

Clearly the lack of a backup for Kane needs to finally be resolved.

From what players have shown this season, Davies, Trippier and Wimmer are all good enough to rotate in regularly, but that's about it. If Mason and Bentaleb can get back to last season's form, they are can be added to that list. Son and N'Jie are likely to have more of an impact next season...giving Lamela time paid off.

davidmatzdorf · May 2, 2016

Although we do need the obvious backups for Kane and Dier, it's worth pointing out that a squad with an average age south of 25 has the capacity to improve without acquiring anyone. Also, much of the quality of our play owes itself to teamwork and understanding, not individual virtuosity. For that reason, another pre-season working with Pochettino and his team ought to bear dividends in terms of creativity and organisation.

At this season's level, we were good enough to deal comfortably with Anderlecht and Fiorentina, but not good enough to overcome Dortmund. That suggests that we could acquit ourselves respectably as we are, but that we would have to continue to improve to get to the same stage we achieved last time.

LexingtonSpurs · May 2, 2016

We can, but it would come at the expense of the League - we are not strong enough with our depth today to compete successfully on multiple fronts. Ideally that changes this summer with some key additions.

archiewasking · May 2, 2016

Monkey boy said:
We can win the fucking thing. On our day we can beat anyone. On an off day we can dig in and not lose

Roberto Di Matteo, is that you???!!

ajspurs · May 2, 2016

Danners9 said:
I think the Dortmund games this season showed that we aren't quite at the level to compete with the very best. Get out of the group, probably, after that.. well it would depend on the draw but if we came up against someone a bit better, then no.

A few additions, and yes, why not! The base is very strong but a few changes and it really did show against BVB.

I was going to say the same but then it's not the best game to use as an example as we weren't at full strength for the games. Regardless though, I think there would be a noticeable difference in quality when playing teams like Dortmund, PSG, Atletico etc. Not for definite but that's just what I would imagine. I think we just need 1 or 2 special players plus adequate depth and you'd like to think we could give most teams (potentially minus Madrid, Barca and Bayern) at least a tough game.

Danners9 · May 2, 2016

ajspurs said:
I was going to say the same but then it's not the best game to use as an example as we weren't at full strength for the games. Regardless though, I think there would be a noticeable difference in quality when playing teams like Dortmund, PSG, Atletico etc. Not for definite but that's just what I would imagine. I think we just need 1 or 2 special players plus adequate depth and you'd like to think we could give most teams (potentially minus Madrid, Barca and Bayern) at least a tough game.

What i meant was that if you take a few players out, the quality is really noticeable and we weren't able to stand up to Dortmund. Being able to swap players out and maintain that level is the aim, I think, to manage all of the games that will come along - but it won't take much.

arunspurs · May 2, 2016

What is success in CL ?
If its reaching knock out stage, yes we have the team.
If its winning the CL, we are short of atleast 4 to 5 world class players.

Gilzeanking · May 2, 2016

davidmatzdorf said:
. Also, much of the quality of our play owes itself to teamwork and understanding, not individual virtuosity. For that reason, another pre-season working with Pochettino and his team ought to bear dividends in terms of creativity and organisation.

.

This is a key point imo . Poch has come and moulded our players into a unit . This is the reason we have done well . Everything great....until we face super intense bus parkers...or intense high pressers . That is the time IMO that the technical shortcomings in our team are most exposed . The ball becomes a 'hot potato' and only Dembele can hold the ball comfortably . I'd like to see some technical player additions with the ability to unlock solid defences with skill in those difficult circumstances (like last 20 vs WBA)

So , great skill but also able to work hard like the others in the Poch system (tricky to find). There aren't numerous high intensity bus parkers in the CL ,so we may be able to surprise some teams not used to our physicality . QF I reckon .

ajspurs · May 2, 2016

Danners9 said:
What i meant was that if you take a few players out, the quality is really noticeable and we weren't able to stand up to Dortmund. Being able to swap players out and maintain that level is the aim, I think, to manage all of the games that will come along - but it won't take much.

Oh ok, yeah I very much agree mate. Definitely need not only strength in depth but quality in depth too.

Roynie · May 2, 2016

Monkey boy said:
We can win the fucking thing. On our day we can beat anyone. On an off day we can dig in and not lose

archiewasking said:
Roberto Di Matteo, is that you???!!

No, it's Gra Vedigger! :whistle:

Japhet · May 2, 2016

The summer transfer window will be crucial. We should be looking for 'rotation' players as opposed to 'back ups'. 3 quality signings would do it for me. A striker, a midfielder with defensive qualities and an attacking mid who can do the unexpected. I'd be one contented bunny if we could land Batsushyai/Lacazette, Dendoncker and Boufal. They would all have a big part to play in the EPL and the CL and we still have the depth to compete in the domestic Cups.

Sir Henry · May 2, 2016

It's going to be very difficult, we couldnt raise our game against Dortmund, I'm not sure we'll be capable of doing it. Our 'excuse' was fighting for the league title, so unless we can get the mentality changed where we could be fighting for the league again next year and again have european football, we'll struggle.

Japhet · May 2, 2016

Sir Henry said:
It's going to be very difficult, we couldnt raise our game against Dortmund, I'm not sure we'll be capable of doing it. Our 'excuse' was fighting for the league title, so unless we can get the mentality changed where we could be fighting for the league again next year and again have european football, we'll struggle.

The fact that we fielded a few back ups v Dortmund and got mashed shows that we don't have enough quality in depth. We're not far off but are very light in a few key areas as I said above. We're also an exceptionally young/inexperienced team but this season will make us a lot stronger.

spurs mental · May 2, 2016

We need a backup for Kane, Dier, Hugo and someone who can carry the ball as well as Mousse. Other than that, I think we are well equipped. Maybe a Levy special to get a quick winger who can create something from nothing a la GB.

AW? · May 2, 2016

I have every faith that Mopo will bring in some pretty clever signings and hopefully Son and Clinton will kick on next season. I say currently we have a better squad than the first time round so who knows. I expect us to really go for it this year and all the bedding in we did with the youth in the EL won't do us any harm at all. I am very positive about the CL.

Sir Henry · May 2, 2016

Japhet said:
The fact that we fielded a few back ups v Dortmund and got mashed shows that we don't have enough quality in depth. We're not far off but are very light in a few key areas as I said above. We're also an exceptionally young/inexperienced team but this season will make us a lot stronger.

While I do agree with this, I still didnt see anything from the 1st team players that did play to say anything will be different.

I do think we'll do something special next year, as you say we have a young inexperienced squad and will only get better.

Gbspurs · May 2, 2016

arunspurs said:
What is success in CL ?
If its reaching knock out stage, yes we have the team.
If its winning the CL, we are short of atleast 4 to 5 world class players.

Nonsense. Man City who are currently sat some way behind us in the league are in the semis. Plenty of other sides have done well playing as a team and I think you do our current side a disservice.

Lloris, Toby, Eriksen, Alli, Kane are players who I reckons this time next year will be commonly regarded as World Class. Even Lamela might if he can find consistency or continue to add some end product.

Japhet · May 2, 2016

Sir Henry said:
While I do agree with this, I still didnt see anything from the 1st team players that did play to say anything will be different.

I do think we'll do something special next year, as you say we have a young inexperienced squad and will only get better.

IMO the Dortmund tie was lost in the first leg by fielding a centre midfield partnership who were way out of their depth. We couldn't get any sort of a foothold in the game, That pairing (Mason and Carroll I think) did their best but hadn't had any pitch time beforehand because they're back ups and not rotation options. The second leg was mainly about restoring a bit of pride but by that time we had bigger fish to fry.

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