Tottenham Hotspur's pre-season training has kicked off with a bang, and there's plenty to discuss. From the absence of key players to the transformation of their training facilities, the club is undergoing a significant overhaul. Here's a deep dive into five key takeaways from the latest footage and images from Hotspur Way.
Tonali's Absence Explained
The most notable absence from the returning group was the £100 million man, Sandro Tonali. While Mateus Fernandes and Martin Dubravka were present, Tonali was notably missing. This was due to the Italy international awaiting his work permit, a process that is standard procedure for any player changing employers. Once the permit is granted, Tonali will be able to join his teammates and Roberto De Zerbi on the training pitches.
Training Ground Improvements
One of the most significant changes noticed by supporters is the transformation of the gym facilities. The smaller gym in The Lodge, a luxurious hotel complex within Hotspur Way, is now being used by the players. This is due to renovation work on the main gym, which has been deemed inadequate compared to those of Europe's top clubs. The coaching staff had long felt that the training ground's focus on comfort rather than performance needed addressing.
Gray's New Look
Archie Gray returned to Hotspur Way with a bold new hairstyle, a mullet with frosted tips and a goatee. The 20-year-old midfielder joked about his 'Aussie look', referencing the team's upcoming tour to Australia and New Zealand. This light-hearted approach is a welcome change of pace, and Gray's effort to embrace the Australian culture will no doubt be appreciated by fans in Sydney.
Injured Players Return
The return of long-term injury absentees Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, and Wilson Odobert is a significant morale boost for both players and supporters. These players have been working hard to recover from their respective injuries, with Kulusevski stepping up his training in Sweden. The hope is that these changes will bear fruit, reducing the number of injuries and improving the team's overall performance.
Forgotten Faces
Pre-season is also a time for players returning from loan spells to reassess their futures. Homegrown youngsters like Dane Scarlett, Mikey Moore, and Jamie Donley are back, awaiting De Zerbi's evaluation. Manor Solomon, who was on loan at Villarreal and Fiorentina, has been told he can look for a new club. Kota Takai, a forgotten signing from Kawasaki Frontale, struggled with injuries and was sent out on loan to Borussia Monchengladbach. Yang Min-hyeok, who joined Spurs last summer, had a less successful spell at Portsmouth and Coventry. Ashley Phillips, who has yet to play a competitive game for Spurs, returns after two loan spells at Stoke City.
As the pre-season progresses, the focus will shift to the upcoming fixtures, with the team preparing for their tour to New Zealand and Australia. The transformation of the training ground and the return of key players bode well for the new campaign, and fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead.
