Tottenham Hotspur are entering a full rebuilding phase after a dramatic and disappointing season that nearly ended in relegation, according to club chief executive Vinai Venkatesham.
Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with BBC Sport, Venkatesham admitted the club has faced deeper structural problems than expected since he took over in June 2025 — especially on the football side of operations.
A season of survival, not success
Tottenham only secured Premier League survival on the final day of the season with a win over Everton, a result that brought “relief” rather than celebration.
Despite having lifted the Europa League in 2024 under Ange Postecoglou, the club’s league form collapsed, leaving expectations shattered.
Venkatesham said his initial goal was European qualification, but after settling into the role, he realized the situation was far worse than expected.
“This wasn’t a turnaround… it was a complete reset,” he said.
“Worrying gaps” behind the scenes
The CEO praised Tottenham’s commercial strength and stadium operations but was far more critical of the football structure, saying there had been an “explosion in progress” across the Premier League that Spurs had failed to match.
He also suggested the club lacked a “relentless obsession with football success,” hinting at deeper cultural issues inside the organization.
While Tottenham’s training ground was described as world-class, he said it felt more like a luxury hotel than a high-performance environment — something he says will change.
Managerial chaos and tough decisions
The season was also defined by instability in the dugout. Tottenham dismissed multiple coaches, including interim boss Igor Tudor, who lasted only 44 days.
Venkatesham defended the decision-making process, insisting the club carefully evaluated performance, transfer timing, and risk before acting. However, he admitted some choices simply “didn’t work out.”
The club also explored appointing Roberto De Zerbi permanently, but were unable to secure him mid-season.
What happens next
Tottenham are now preparing for a structural rebuild aimed at restoring competitiveness in the Premier League. The focus, according to leadership, will be shifting from short-term survival to long-term football performance.
The message from inside the club is clear: the era of patchwork fixes is over. Spurs are going back to the drawing board — fully.
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