The manager of Tottenham, Ange Postecoglou, has expressed his lack of interest in acquiring players whose commitment is contingent upon the club’s qualification for the Champions League.
Currently occupying fifth place in the Premier League, Tottenham stands poised to secure a spot in next season’s restructured Champions League, with the top five teams in English football’s premier division earning entry.
However, Postecoglou has emphasized that he is unfazed by the financial ramifications should Tottenham fail to clinch a spot in the prestigious tournament.
“I want people who want to come to Tottenham,” Postecoglou said on Friday.
“I don’t want those players [who are swayed by Champions League football] because they don’t want to come to Tottenham, they want to play Champions League.
“I’m looking for a certain type of character. We have had two windows so far and I haven’t had any issues in bringing players I want to this club despite not playing in the Champions League.”
This week, Spurs disclosed losses for the fourth consecutive year, reporting a deficit of £86.8m in their 2022-23 financial accounts. Chairman Daniel Levy revealed that the club is engaged in discussions with potential investors.
Despite these financial setbacks, Tottenham, who finished eighth in the Premier League last season, experienced a 24% revenue surge, reaching £549.6m. Importantly, they remain compliant with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability (PSR) regulations.
Postecoglou, who assumed the managerial role last summer, acknowledged that Tottenham’s transfer activities will not be constrained like some other clubs. He indicated that planning is well underway for the upcoming transfer window.
This week, Spurs disclosed losses for the fourth consecutive year, reporting a deficit of £86.8m in their 2022-23 financial accounts. Chairman Daniel Levy revealed that the club is engaged in discussions with potential investors.
Despite these financial setbacks, Tottenham, who finished eighth in the Premier League last season, experienced a 24% revenue surge, reaching £549.6m. Importantly, they remain compliant with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability (PSR) regulations.
Postecoglou, who assumed the managerial role last summer, acknowledged that Tottenham’s transfer activities will not be constrained like some other clubs. He indicated that planning is well underway for the upcoming transfer window.
“There’s no doubt that from our perspective, we are not one of the clubs who are going to be as restricted as others,” the 58-year-old said.
“I’ve had a clear line of communication about where we are as a football club and nothing I’ve taken on has surprised me in any way. We’re in a good position and hopefully we can build on that.”
‘I don’t get measured by the balance sheet’
However, Australian Postecoglou remains steadfast in his commitment to implementing his style of football as the primary objective in his inaugural season in charge, despite the potential financial consequences. This focus on his football philosophy takes precedence over securing Champions League qualification, a departure from the norm.
“We’re not banks, we’re football clubs. We’re not financial institutions. I don’t get measured by the balance sheet at the end of the year,” Postecoglou said.
“What I’m saying is, Champions League, great. Money, great. Does that mean we’re going to finish third next year? No, in fact it is probably going to be more challenging.
“My role in that is not to worry about the financial pressure of making Champions League, it is to create a squad that hopefully can compete in the Champions League and keep improving in the Premier League.
“How much money you make is not why you get into the Champions League. It is what you do with that money.
“Do you build on it? Do you build a squad or do you say ‘because we’re in the Champions League next year, we’ll be great’.
“It’s not just about having money, it’s how you spend it. If I have half the money someone else does, if I spend it better then I can still beat them.”
Spurs are two points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa having played one game fewer, while they are nine points clear of Manchester United in sixth.
With eight games remaining they host Nottingham Forest on Sunday (18:00 BST). After being unable to end Tottenham’s 16-year wait for silverware this season, it is a target Postecoglou hopes to achieve in the next campaign.
“Progress is not an endless road, progress has the objective of being successful. I was hoping it would happen this year but it hasn’t so my plan is for it to happen next year,” said Postecoglou.
“The quicker it happens, the better for me and the football club.”