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Realistically Speaking...

Bulletspur

The Reasonable Advocate
Match Thread Admin
Oct 17, 2006
10,690
25,246
Despite our recent performances and results there, I still think Wembley will turn out to be a blessing in our favour, resulting in us finishing in the top four, qualify for the knock out stages of the CL and at least a cup final, where we will have home advantage
 

riggi

Well-Known Member
Jun 24, 2008
48,486
104,718
People say about a trophy every season. Sorry folks but this club isn't winning a trophy for sometime. League position and a decent run in cl is what's wanted by the bods up top.
 

Klinsmannesque

Well-Known Member
Jul 26, 2013
900
4,665
The players will be targeting the league becasue they know they are good enough, why shouldn't fans be the same. Been a massive shift change mentally, and thats why we are where we are.

Not saying we will as the winners could come from any of last seasons top 6 (although probably not Liverpool), but I would still expect us to give it a good go.

Title challenge / in the mix and a cup should be where we realistically aim.
 

jamesinashby

Well-Known Member
Jun 5, 2017
465
985
Firstly I would like to congratulate Krule on a great thread ~ it has received the response it deserved.

I think the key word is acceptable. Those fans who go through the turnstiles and buy the kit, imo, have every right to expect 100% from everyone involved at the club from top to bottom. Therefore I will keep this simple. If DL and MP maintain the high input they are making, along with the players showing loyalty and signs of improvement, I will happily accept that.

After last season, I have for the first time a lot of confidence in the manager and current squad. Despite the worries of the Wembley curse and all our rivals buying new players that seem to be increasing the quality of their squads, I am quietly confident we will not be let down in effort and we will be saying at the end of the season that whatever happens, it was acceptable for THFC and we fans.

COYS
 

dontcallme

SC Supporter
Mar 18, 2005
33,985
81,903
Hard to say minimum expectations really.

I think the Wembley factor makes this season hard to predict. And predictions do go hand in hand with expectations. If my prediction is we'll finish second then my minimum expectation would be top four. You can't disassociate the two.

Cups are a hard thing to expect as the draw can be a really determining factor. We had a poor side in 1999 but won a league cup. Last 2 seasons we have been excellent but have won nothing.

So minimum expectation is top four with a better performance in the CL even if it doesn't translate to results.
 
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leffe186

Well-Known Member
Sep 2, 2004
5,322
1,695
People say about a trophy every season. Sorry folks but this club isn't winning a trophy for sometime. League position and a decent run in cl is what's wanted by the bods up top.

I'm sorry, but I think this is nonsense. Not the second part - because I do think Levy would take fourth and no cup over fifth and the FA Cup - but the idea that we would actively seek out such a result. You're implying that we would field a weakened side in a League Cup final if we had, say, Man U in the league next match. That's bollocks.

I think we came pretty damn close to winning the FA Cup this year, and just didn't quite get the breaks at the right time in the semi. That's cup football. All you can do is make yourself as good as possible to improve the odds. Sure, we might not field the strongest possible team in every single cup match, but that's a calculated risk that almost every top club takes. I fully believe that we could take the same approach next year and win two cups, if things fall our way.

If we played the strongest possible team in every single cup game I would fully expect the squad to be struggling in the New Year. Not just due to injuries, but due to some squad players not getting a look in. And with absolutely no guarantee that we would still be in the cups. It's a balancing act.

We've got a better chance of winning a cup next year than pretty much everybody else, regardless of what Levy's attitude is.
 

double0

Well-Known Member
Aug 29, 2006
14,423
12,258
I honestly feel we are title contenders over the last few seasons we have markedly improved especially last, we finished so strong scoring so many goals and just being ruthless in defence. Our squad is getting better by the season mentally physically and tactically.

I honestly feel we don't have to do much in the transfer window, we need to be patient with the development players Winks KWP Onomah Edwards and trust Janssen Nkoudou follow in Son's foot steps and step it up Lamela back would be a new signing -of course have an injury free season too.


Lamela is better than Barkley
 

whitesocks

The past means nothing. This is a message for life
Jan 16, 2014
4,652
5,738
...
This year I want him to evolve our tactical approach from midfield. We've got to be braver and more dynamic. I don't ever want to see Dier trundling about playing from A to B again (the odd hopeful looper in Kane's direction maketh not an Alonso). I think Dembele's going to struggle more and more to steady games the way he has and for me, steady is not my preference any way. He's getting older, the injuries continue to be a factor. It took him 3 months to get up to match speed last year. Decline is inevitable. I also think he's not going to enjoy the expanse of Wembley so much. But then, who will.
...
...but in the absence of anyone else capable of playing the ball behind the defence, Dier's loopers are all we have.
I can't remember the last midfield player we had who could play the ball over the top into space - Carrick maybe.
Even then I thought he more fed the wings like the Hudd.

Next season, we need to think of an another plan if a team like Liverpool press up to half way, as sure, Dier is not Alonso and even if he had the potential, he's never going to get there while playing in defence 95% of the time.

I think Sissoko will enjoy the expanse of Wembley by the way. The ball can bobble 6 feet from him as he traps the ball and that is close control on a big field. It will be tiring playing at Wembley esp with the away team really up for it. So Sissoko's strength will be valuable.

As for the OP question, I'd like us to finish above arsenal again.
 

riggi

Well-Known Member
Jun 24, 2008
48,486
104,718
I'm sorry, but I think this is nonsense. Not the second part - because I do think Levy would take fourth and no cup over fifth and the FA Cup - but the idea that we would actively seek out such a result. You're implying that we would field a weakened side in a League Cup final if we had, say, Man U in the league next match. That's bollocks.

I think we came pretty damn close to winning the FA Cup this year, and just didn't quite get the breaks at the right time in the semi. That's cup football. All you can do is make yourself as good as possible to improve the odds. Sure, we might not field the strongest possible team in every single cup match, but that's a calculated risk that almost every top club takes. I fully believe that we could take the same approach next year and win two cups, if things fall our way.

If we played the strongest possible team in every single cup game I would fully expect the squad to be struggling in the New Year. Not just due to injuries, but due to some squad players not getting a look in. And with absolutely no guarantee that we would still be in the cups. It's a balancing act.

We've got a better chance of winning a cup next year than pretty much everybody else, regardless of what Levy's attitude is.

Im implying we wouldn't get to the final in the first place...;)

Yes on the whole I agree that ability wise there's no reason why we can't win a cup or two. That's also been the same for the past few seasons aswell though.
 

Everlasting Seconds

Well-Known Member
Jan 9, 2014
14,914
26,616
Top 4 finish and a cup final would be perfectly acceptable. Especially with the expected affect Wembley will have on our performances
One of these rare, rare occasions I'm actually agreeing with you. With the caveat that if we have reached a cup final that matters, we better win it goddarnit.
 

Bus-Conductor

SC Supporter
Oct 19, 2004
39,837
50,713
...but in the absence of anyone else capable of playing the ball behind the defence, Dier's loopers are all we have.
I can't remember the last midfield player we had who could play the ball over the top into space - Carrick maybe.
Even then I thought he more fed the wings like the Hudd.

Next season, we need to think of an another plan if a team like Liverpool press up to half way, as sure, Dier is not Alonso and even if he had the potential, he's never going to get there while playing in defence 95% of the time.

I think Sissoko will enjoy the expanse of Wembley by the way. The ball can bobble 6 feet from him as he traps the ball and that is close control on a big field. It will be tiring playing at Wembley esp with the away team really up for it. So Sissoko's strength will be valuable.

As for the OP question, I'd like us to finish above arsenal again.

If we are relying on Dier's passing and Sissoko's dribbling we are well and truly fucked.

Winks and Onomah are far more likely to play incisive passes. And I'd rather Edwards running at defenders than Sissoko.
 

CheeseGromit

Well-Known Member
Aug 22, 2013
745
578
I think the change of ground will have an impact and may last up until Christmas.

We are still considered the pretenders to the so called elite group ( who have money to burn) but the extra years experience will be good for the Kane's, Alli Son. It will put an extra burden on them to deliever. They will be expected to and not be considered the surprise package. To keep up the momentum we will have to work hard at maintaining standards and being consistent particularly away from home. This will add pressure to the established players.

We have a good experienced back four and GK. With the bigger pitch at Wembley I think the focal point will be Wanyama and Dier. If we crack that then we we be very much in the mix. Dembele will be be equally important in that area of the pitch

If anything I think we lack pace in general with the attacking options although this is not such an issue with the movement of Delle

It makes a good cup run possible again

So minimum expectation for the coming season ( and probably the first season at the new ground is to be in the mix in the league and Cup. CL should be about developing the experience and the Lge Cup about developing the younger players Progress for the club is vital and not to slip back to he pack
 

Krule

Carpe Diem
Jun 4, 2017
4,534
8,686
To be honest if Kyle Walker is the only player (apart from the known 'dross') to leave the club this summer then I regard it as a wonderful testament to both the squad and staff for their obvious 100% belief and commitment in what the club is attempting to achieve. It is a rare and extremely uplifting sight to see a group of players forego the temptations of rival clubs and higher salaries to try and achieve the more rewarding personal ideals of adhering to an ethos and watching it come to fruition. A tribute indeed to the manager and the way in which he has built a spirit and camaraderie that is unshakeable even in the face of massive media hype and rumour. Maybe we shall all be amazed as Spurs fans this season if that belief allows them to overcome the Wembley wobbles and once again mount a serious title challenge. The talent is there, the team unity is there and the support is unquestionably there.
Maybe the youth of the players is our key advantage...they have many years to look forward to at the top level and perhaps their dreams and goals have not been clouded by the avarice and mercenary attitudes many adopt as they approach the late summer / autumn of their careers. They play simply because they love the game and Poch allows them to play the game they love....they are allowed to develop naturally but are also guided professionally. I think Walker had it completely wrong when he said about learning more from Pep...it is a statement he will come to regret when he looks back on his days under Mauricio's guidance and realises their true value.
Your views so far have been extremely varied and interesting but one constant remains...we support this club and it's players with a passion that is unwavering and when you mix that with a genuine belief that at long last we have put together a great manager and a brilliant young team...there can only be one ultimate outcome....success ! On that I think we are all agreed....?

Come On You Spurs !
 
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Fidget

Well-Known Member
Jun 22, 2014
1,060
1,257
We need to win this League this year. If we don't we'll find it very, very difficult to keep Alli, Kane, Dier, Rose, Loris, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Wanyama. They all want money and silverware to show their grandkids at some point.

I think we can do it. If we don't sell any more without good replacements. Team spirit is there but how long does a good team keep that spirit for without trophies.
Believe.
 

shelfboy68

Well-Known Member
Jun 14, 2008
14,566
19,651
@spids and @shelfboy68 i gave you a disagree on finishing 6th and being happy with. I doubt any Liverpool or Arsenal supporter would be satisfied with 6th place.
We have to show more ambition than that. 6th is a huge backwards step in our trajectory.

Wembley cannot be a factor, sure in the 1st 3 games perhaps but i expect us to adapt quickly.

Besides the following year we will play in our new stadium with those field dimensions.

That of course is your opinion mate but honestly I cannot see us winning the league or such like, I honestly am pleased that we punched above our weight for the last two seasons and finished top four.:)
 

Hotspur33

Well-Known Member
Apr 21, 2014
1,605
3,908
If we achieved what united achieved last season, I think I'd take that.
Think there is only so long we can keep this squad together without winning anything.
If City do well, it will only encourage our stars to look elsewhere.
 

KenilworthSpur

Well-Known Member
Apr 16, 2007
1,148
696
What will happen if we get to the final of either the League or FA Cup seeing Wembley is our home ground for this season?

I can see others teams moaning about it not being very neutral, or at least using this as an excuse when we turn them over with ease...
 
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