TTLB Opinion: What Europa League win really means for Tottenham – SWOT analysis

I am trying to put through a SWOT analysis of what this win really means for the Lilywhites, in the short term and in the longer term.

The impact of the final win at Tottenham

Strengths

A mentality shift (as I suggested in the introduction of the article); now there should be no more bottling tags given how Tottenham not only won the UEL but also how Ange’s side played with a winning authority while controlling the game and being composed. All of Romero, Son, Bentancur and even Porro showed that big-game clarity, and there was not a moment of panic. And with this we set a new baseline, one that has the capacity to change how Tottenham will go into tight moments and big games for next seasons.

Another thing that happens is that now the players have proof that Ange Postecoglou’s system works, and this is not just by data but with silverware, and this should help the Australian head coach put more of his philosophy into this side. I am expecting more intensity from the players with fewer questions asked and also, hopefully, a better tactical execution next season.

Weakness

Let’s be honest for a moment here; this has been a sketchy season. This side has gone through a lot of injuries and some patchy form along the season, where we have also seen some questionable in-game management at times, and this Europa League win ends up masking what is otherwise an underwhelming league campaign.

There is also a risk of Daniel Levy not being ruthless with the underperformers because of the win. Let’s be honest, the likes of Bissouma and Richarlison are nowhere near consistent enough, and now we run the danger that few decent performances from them in the lead-up to the finals (and in the finals) will be used as justification for keeping them. See, Tottenham have to mean business this season and not get caught out in sentiments.

Opportunities

Winning the Europa League means Tottenham now have another shot at possible silverware. The North Londoners will enter the UEFA Super Cup with whoever wins the Champions League (Inter or PSG), and this can end up giving more highlights to the current project. This is a rare opportunity for Tottenham to make it back-to-back statement wins.

Now as Tottenham have won silverware and have qualified for the Champions League, this will give Levy a clearer pitch for potential signings. Now Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is no longer just a project; now it’s a destination.

Threats

What a trophy generally does is it resets the bar, and now the Lilywhites faithful will likely (and rightly) demand more top-four consistency and some deeper competitiveness in the cup competitions, and Ange will need to find a way through this increased scrutiny, especially if this team were to dip early in the next campaign.

Another threat that I am expecting is Daniel Levy. He has a thing to be too clever. And now if he were to try to over-engineer the transfers, Tottenham would risk what Ange just built. Going into this summer, the transfers should be about tactical solutions and increased ceilings and not about how much noise it makes in the papers.

Winning the finals is not an end point; this is now the start of things about to get serious at N17…