Chapter 5: The Players
'At the moment we're out of the League Cup and we're not in the league standings, that's what I think.
The league is definitely a top priority and I hope that by the end of the season we will be in the top six in a position worthy of Tottenham's position.
To be honest, I don't plan to put too much energy into the Europa League, not only is it a great test of fitness for you to run all over Europe, but there is not enough attention paid to this event.
As long as you don't win the title, then the energy spent in the Europa League will be in vain.
To put it simply, the cost performance is too low, and instead of competing in the Europa League, it is better to mention the league ranking.
Then there's the FA Cup, and if I can, I'd like to win something in the FA Cup.
You know, Tottenham have won eight FA Cups and we have a tradition. ”
The players present basically agreed with Ben's statement, and they didn't want the new manager to be a person who couldn't see the situation and would say big things.
However, it is not so easy to base ourselves on reality and put forward relatively reasonable goals.
In the midst of peace, Benjamin ended the meeting with all the players.
The plenary meeting was relatively polite, and Benjamin did not show much affection in private.
Some players who are weaker and have not adapted to the Premier League are not in his plan at all, and Ben will not be embarrassed to say it like some unseeded managers.
Soldado, Paulinho, Capoue, Holtbi, Zirices and others are not strong enough, and Benjamin told them bluntly.
If you are willing to stay as a substitute, you can ask the agent to help contact the next family.
Those who need to stay are different.
Christian Eriksen saw Vertonghen and Dembele and wondered why the manager would let them go with him to meet him.
'That's right, Chris, you're going to be the heart of Tottenham's attack in my plan, you're important to the team, I want to know that.'
A smile appeared on the Dane's disapproving face, and he nodded.
'Moussa, too, in my tactics, your ability to carry the ball in midfield, your ability to get rid of people, is essential.
At the same time, when Tottenham's sports medicine and rehabilitation centre is established, your injuries will be minimized. ”
Dembele is smiling happily and being able to get the manager's attention and win more starts is what every aspiring player wants.
Then there was Vertonghen, who made no promises to the Belgian, but asked a question that surprised everyone else in the room.
"What do you think of Alderweireld's quality? Do you want to partner with him? ”
Vertonghen was stunned for a moment, he and Toby Alderweireld, both from the Ajax academy, both of the same age and both Belgians, have partnered as a central defender for countless times, and they have a tacit understanding.
The relationship between the two people in private is also quite good.
However, with his departure from Ajax to Tottenham, Alderweireld also moved to La Liga side Atletico Madrid in the previous transfer period.
Unlike Vertonghen's situation at Tottenham, Toby's half-season at Atletico has struggled and his performances have not been too good.
"Toby is a very good player!"
As if realizing that he was a little too excited, Vertonghen lowered his tone.
'I've been with him for a lot of years and we know each other very well, he's very good defensively and he's pretty good on the ball.
Benjamin nodded, indicating that he already understood.
'You can play together for Tottenham next season.'
"Really? That's great! ”
Not only is his future in the team more clear, but he also has a clear acquaintance/compatriot next season.
Fellow Belgian Dembele and also from Ajax Eriksen were also happy.
"Kyle, what did you say the manager was looking for us?"
Walker shook his head in confusion.
Danny Rose, Kyle Walker, and Lennon, three English players, walked into the manager's office together.
"Sit down, I didn't have anything else to do with you, I just talked to you."
The three of them sat precariously and looked at Benjamin in a daze.
"First of all, you don't have to worry about the starting position, as long as you don't get injured, the main force must be yours."
Daniros grinned, he couldn't hide his thoughts the most of the three.
"However, I would like to have your support because I may make some changes to the team's tactics in the future."
"Don't worry, boss, we will do what you say!"
Rose patted his chest in response, and Walker nodded in agreement, only Lennon did not say anything.
The expressions of all three were all read by Benjamin.
"Okay, I won't delay your time, so let's stop here."
Looking at their backs, Ben wrote down something in his notebook.
"It's not easy to lead a team, everyone has their own mind, so it's not easy to be a manager.
No matter how high the technical and tactical level is, if you can't handle all aspects of the relationship well, manage the players well, and deal with the club's top management, then you still can't do anything! ”
Benjamin was a little emotional, but fortunately he didn't have too much pressure on the club, as long as he could solve the affairs of the team, it would be fine.
Tottenham players moved in and out of the manager's office one after another.
Some people come out with a relaxed and happy face, while others have a slightly ugly face.
But Benjamin can't do that much, he wants to build a championship team that can win every game and persevere.
The black sheep of the herd who are not capable of doing so and who are not good in mentality must be driven out as soon as possible.
"I may be a bit straight, I hope you don't mind too much."
Ordinary people use such words to make an opening statement, and the following must be to say something offensive to people.
"You're all seasoned veterans and I recognize your abilities.
It's just a tactical reason, maybe you can't play the main force with me, and more often I will put you on the bench and be on standby.
This is the case, if you can't accept it, the club that wants to leave the club will not put any obstacles in your way.
You can contact the team you want to go to, as long as the transfer fee is in line with the market price. ”
Michael Dawson and Defoe, two veterans of England, looked at each other.
Dawson joined Tottenham at the beginning of '05, and it's been almost a decade since then.
Defoe has moved to Tottenham twice, adding up to almost ten years.
It's not that Benjamin is impersonal, he also gives the other party the opportunity to choose for himself.
They can stay at Tottenham as a substitute and their wages will not be less, but if they want more appearances, they will have to leave.
Professional football, competitive sports, is so cruel.
When you get older, it's certain that your strength will begin to decline, and you still want to occupy that position, how can it be.
"I see, I'll ask my agent to help me connect with the next family, and it just so happens that a major league team wants to ask me to come over."
Defoe decided to leave this winter window, and Dawson hesitated.
"I'll stay until the end of the season and choose a little bit more in the summer."
"Okay, as a big Tottenham fan personally, I'm very grateful to both of you for your dedication over the years, and I hope we can get along happily in the coming period."
Benjamin politely got up and shook hands with the two veterans and sent them out.
"Whew-"
It is best to be able to settle the matter peacefully in this way, but I am afraid that some people will not know the height of the sky, put themselves in the right position, and make things very troublesome.
"Knock knock!"
"Please come in!"
A large wave of young players chirped open the door and walked in.
It wasn't enough to sit, and they had to stand in front of Benjamin's desk.
"Do you know what I called you for?"
"It's the manager who wants you to reuse us and promote us to the first team!"
It can be seen that the young people are a little nervous, only the honest Kane does not seem to be stage frightened.
Seventeen-year-old Winks, eighteen-year-old Bentaleb, nineteen-year-old Harry Kane, Tottenham's youth training is remarkable.