Former Tottenham star Stefan Freund has said that the current crop of players at the club need to have more confidence in their ability to secure silverware.
But he backed Spurs’ key men Dele Alli and Harry Kane to be even more effective next season than they were in their mightily impressive 2016-17 campaigns.
Spurs have been involved in two consecutive title races in the Premier League, and managed to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup last season, but have not picked up any silverware since their League Cup triumph in 2008.
Despite their impressive rise in stature thanks to the likes of Gareth Bale, Alli and Kane in recent years, former midfielder Freund believes second place should no longer be good enough for the club.
He told BT Sports on their website: “Coming second is a great season but it’s time they win some silverware now.
“They’re close and only need to take the last step.”
Despite their domestic success, the Lilywhites struggled on the European stage last season, finishing third in their Champions League group behind Monaco and Bayer Leverkusen before dropping out of the Europa League at the Round of 32 stage, following defeat to Belgian side KAA Gent.
However, Freund believes that the club’s future success lies not just in the footballing ability on show but the mental resilience shown by their current stars.
“Players like Kane and Alli will be better next season but they need some more confidence.
“They need players that can push them to be even better so if they’re fit they always play because they’re both unstoppable.”
Tottenham start the Premier League season with a trip to promoted side Newcastle, while they must wait until the end of August to learn their opponents in the Champions League group stage.