Sky Sports pundit Darren Bent has said that it is time that Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino started to deliver trophies at the north London club after establishing themselves among the Premier League’s top six.
The Lilywhites have made it through to the quarter finals of the Champions League and have been outsiders in the title hunt in England’s top flight, but a run of poor form has seen their top four hopes come under threat by the chasing pack.
Insisting their European improvements constitute a good season if they were to finish in the top four, Bent insists that the fans’ frustrations mean Pochettino has got to deliver silverware soon.
He told Sky Sports News’ Football Centre (15/03, 11:54): “If Tottenham were to go one and win the Champions League, get to the final, that would be massive for Tottenham football club.
“I think (a top four finish) would show signs of improvement, getting to this stage of the Champions League – there’s no disgrace losing to Manchester City – I think it would be a successful season.
“I do believe the time has come for Pochettino to bring some sort of silverware because going to that stadium, fantastic to finish in the top four but fans want to see trophies, they want days out at Wembley and I think Spurs have got to start delivering that.”
Opinion
Tottenham’s lack of trophies in recent years has been a talking point among fans – mainly those of a rival disposition – and while Pochettino’s achievements at the club cannot be undervalued, Bent is right. The Argentine has built up a squad full of quality and now it is time to make use of the talent at his disposal and push for some glory. The north London outfit could of course win the Champions League this season and then any doubters would be silenced for years to come but there is a reason Spurs are ranked as outsiders in Europe. Coming up against Manchester City twice will test their abilities to the maximum and the pressure building around the stadium will not help the players, who have been accused of bottling it in previous outings. Next season silverware has got to be the priority – otherwise Pochettino’s legacy might never reach its full potential.