International break could change Spurs’ fate

The international break is often loathed by club supporters, but if there’s one team who may be looking forward to it, it’s Tottenham.

With major injuries to so many key players, the break represents a chance to regroup ahead of a period in which they face six matches in three weeks. The amount of Tottenham players who went into the latter stages at the World Cup has often been blamed for a staggered start to the season.

But ironically, could this international break turn Spurs’ fortunes around?

Missing figures key to Spurs’ poor form

These missing players have been a real miss for Spurs as evidenced in their Champions League defeat to Barcelona as they were resigned to bringing on Eric Dier, Moussa Sissoko and Fernando Llorente, three players who have failed to impress this season with the latter two perhaps not even in the match day squad when everyone is fully fit.

Absentees such as Christian Eriksen often set the tempo for his team consistently running the furthest game after game whilst Dele Alli has proved he can be a big game player with goals against Real Madrid, Chelsea and Liverpool in recent seasons.

A lack of depth in the barracks

A lack of transfer spending in the summer was seen by many around the league as a real weakness heading into this season for Spurs. The lack of quality depth that Spurs have at their disposal means that staying injury free is crucial and with training intensity which led Southampton players to suggest they needed three lungs to work under Pochettino, a two week period could present a well-needed break for fatigued players.

The club’s delayed new stadium has also put a strain on the team with fixtures as they attempt to work around Wembley’s schedule. A period of games Monday, Wednesday and Saturday could occur soon after the international break and if positive results do not arrive, unrest among the fans may follow. After the promise of so much over the summer, there is a feeling amongst the fans of being slightly sick of England’s national stadium.

The club was criticised due to the lack of communication with fans regarding stadium updates and the relationship between fans and the hierarchy could have collapsed if not stewarded by the always assured Pochettino.

A change of fortunes after the break?

The two-week break will also hopefully allow certain first-team players to return to form. Previously key players such as Eric Dier, Ben Davies and Heung Min Son have all looked out of sorts lately and Tottenham will need a squad full of confidence and on top form to challenge Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea towards the top of the table.

Despite the perceived negativity around the club Spurs have equalled their best ever start to a Premier League season and are only 2 points off the top. Therefore, there is plenty of room for optimism among the Spurs faithful, who will hope the two weeks off provide a chance to forget, refresh and return for what could still be a successful season.