Tottenham Hotspur chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has admitted the club required a “complete reset” after a chaotic 2025-26 season that nearly ended in relegation from the Premier League.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Venkatesham reflected on a difficult first year at Spurs after joining the club in the summer of 2025. Tottenham eventually secured survival on the final day of the campaign.
Club structure came under scrutiny
Venkatesham said he initially believed Tottenham could challenge for European places this season. However, after spending time inside the club, he realised there were deeper issues on the football side.
According to him, Tottenham had progressed commercially and operationally, but football development had fallen behind several rival Premier League clubs over recent years.
He also revealed the training ground environment would undergo changes during the summer, suggesting it looked “more like a five-star hotel” than a high-performance football facility.
Frank and Tudor appointments questioned
Former manager Thomas Frank remained in charge until February despite poor results, a decision that drew criticism from supporters.
Venkatesham defended the delay, saying the club carefully evaluated the timing of a managerial change and the effect it could have on the squad and transfer plans.
After Frank’s exit, Spurs appointed Igor Tudor on an interim basis, but the Croatian lasted only seven matches before leaving the club.
The CEO admitted the move was a risk and accepted it ultimately “didn’t work out”.
De Zerbi praised after survival fight
Current boss Roberto De Zerbi has received strong backing from the Tottenham hierarchy after guiding the club to safety.
Venkatesham described De Zerbi’s influence as “extraordinary”, praising the Italian’s impact inside the dressing room and his attacking football philosophy.
Tottenham are also expected to support De Zerbi heavily in the transfer market. The club has reportedly increased its wage structure and plans to strengthen the squad over multiple windows.
Fans’ criticism acknowledged
The Tottenham CEO also addressed criticism from supporters following another disappointing campaign.
He said fans were justified in their frustration after consecutive 17th-place finishes, adding that rebuilding the football structure would take time rather than immediate fixes.
Despite the pressure, Venkatesham insisted he remains confident in the club’s long-term direction under De Zerbi.
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