Yahoo Sports Robert Vilahamn: Tottenham Hotspur’s rise, summer signings and UWCL dream
Tottenham Hotspur put themselves on the global map for women’s football following their breakthrough season. In the second campaign of his contract, head coach Robert Vilahamn has high aspirations for his side.
With the Women’s Super League finally here, Spurs aim to build on their successes last season and push higher up the table.
During the summer, Vilahamn boosted the depth of his squad. Now, more focused and determined than ever, Spurs are ready to take on the 2024/25 season. Ambitious for a Champions League spot next year, the team must bounce off their unbeaten preseason run and prepare to perform with a high intensity and drive to succeed.
The squad
Despite losing some key players, including young superstars Grace Clinton and Celin Bizet, Tottenham have brought in some promising footballers this summer.
In particular, Spurs are starting to feel like home for stars of the Australian national team — Charli Grant, Clare Hunt and Hayley Raso. Now, they are all settled in North London. Vilahamn spoke of Raso as a ‘superstar’ with composure on the ball that’s unstoppable in one-on-one situations. As for Hunt, he praised her dominance and technical ability in set pieces. Having a link-up between the Matildas in the team will boost Spurs’ chemistry and strengthen the on-field connections.
One last-minute deal that sparked anticipation at Hotspur Way was Maite Oroz’s arrival. The head coach recognised her technicality and tempo on the ball when watching her on television. In person, however, she seems to perform on another level. He spoke only positively of her ability to use skill and pace in her gameplay — her style of football will naturally capture fans’ attention. In his words, he has ‘seen nothing like it.’
In addition to the new signings, academy players Lenna Gunning-Williams and Araya Dennis are being given a shot in the first team. After performing at an advanced level in pre-season, Vilahamn plans to keep the youngsters. Gunning-Williams made such an impression for being ‘strong, quick and scoring goals’ that she is now a ‘senior player’ in his eyes. If they earn some minutes on the pitch, he plans to keep them to strengthen the squad depth and competitiveness amongst the players.
Therefore, these footballers are promising assets to the team. With both new additions to the squad and those making their senior debuts, Tottenham Hotspur are capable of building on their new ‘identity’ to challenge top WSL oppositions.
Season ambitions
Tottenham Hotspur had their best season yet, reaching the Adobe Women’s FA Cup Final and finishing sixth in the WSL. However, Vilahamn is determined to reach new heights this year.
During his recent press conference, he spoke about his goals and ambitions during his time in North London. Although his primary aim is to qualify for the Champions League next season, he hopes to come away with three points more often. This target will be encouraged by developing an impressive style of play that leads to successful game management. Last season, Spurs came away from several fixtures with a draw. Winning more games in the WSL is one key goal for the players, but the head coach is more focused on how they perform on and off the pitch.
However, to finish higher in the table, Vilahamn recognises that his players need to reach a new level of development. If this is not attainable this year, his contract runs for another three years — he has a long-term plan for the club. There is no doubt that the team are growing in self-confidence and are thriving in the positive environment at Hotspur Way. If these high spirits continue, the team could surprise their opponents and climb their way towards the summit.
The future of Spurs Women
Spurs made promising steps throughout last season to become a top side in the WSL. However, there is still a long way to go for the women’s team. For example, Spurs made history twice at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last year — beating Arsenal for the first time ever and reaching the FA Cup Final. Vilahamn did not shy away from the fact that he wants ‘to play all the games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium’. But he also wants to perform in front of bigger crowds at the venue. With three tough matches on the big stage during the upcoming season, he hopes to grow the fanbase and prove why the women’s side should have more opportunities to play there.
Vilahamn also made it clear that there is a regular collaboration between the men’s and women’s sides of Tottenham Hotspur. By meeting once a month with the men’s head coach, Ange Postecoglou, Vilahamn believes the club is unified and strives to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. He stressed that Tottenham Hotspur is ‘one club’. Therefore, there is a positive atmosphere in North London that bodes well for the future of the sport.
Thus, Vilahamn’s Lilywhites have a bright future ahead. Not only are more permanent and longer contracts being offered to global superstars, but some promising young footballers are making their senior debuts from the Spurs academy. If the squad continues to graft hard both on and off the field, they will soon recognise the rewards of the growth of the women’s game and the team itself.
