Tottenham transfer ‘gamble’ has failed as Ange Postecoglou handed major headache
Tottenham’s “gamble” of relying on their best stars staying fit has failed, according to William Gallas. The former Spurs defender says Ange Postecoglou has been left with an “average” group of players after failing to make the necessary squad improvements in the summer transfer window.
Tottenham had a dream start under Postecoglou this season. They won nine of their opening 10 Premier League matches to fuel talk of a potential first top-flight title in 63 years.
However, a 4-1 defeat at home to Chelsea has derailed their campaign in more ways than one. Spurs had two players sent off, including Cristian Romero who was given a straight red card for serious foul play.
Postecoglou also lost summer signings James Maddison and Micky van de Ven to injuries that will keep them out for the rest of 2023. A depleted Spurs lost late at Wolves before the international break to dampen talk of a historic season in north London.
Gallas says it was a risk for the Tottenham hierarchy to rely on a first-choice XI to get through the season unscathed. The Frenchman claims the gamble was never going to pay off and believes major improvement is needed to the squad depth.
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He told Genting Casino: “The Tottenham squad lacks depth. It’s really important to have that extra quality in reserve if you want to compete at the top of the Premier League.
“Tottenham’s starting eleven has been as good as anything in the Premier League this season, but the bench is average. Clubs like to gamble on their best players staying fit.
“Tottenham have gambled on their best players staying fit when they should have added more quality to the squad in the summer. They’ve got off to their best start in a Premier League season in the club’s history, for that to keep going they need more quality.
“It is impossible to rely on eleven players for the season because of the intensity of the league; players will always get injured or suspended.”
It doesn’t get any easier for Spurs as they face an in-form Aston Villa at home on Sunday before a trip to Manchester City. Romero will miss both games as he completes his three-match ban.
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Gallas is intrigued as to how Postecoglou will approach the upcoming fixtures. He added: “We know they will be missing their two best centre-backs. Maddison is out.
“Will Postecoglou adapt his tactics because he is missing several key players? We will see how Ange Postecoglou responds to the absences of several key players.
“These are two difficult games for Tottenham and a good test to see if people called them as title contenders early. The international break came at a good time for them.
“Postecoglou would have had time to analyse the last two matches, while the players will have had the opportunity to put those defeats out of their minds. They will feel refreshed.”
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