Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino stated recently that it is [too] “early” to consider Spurs title contenders. But this season is critical, as it could be Tottenham’s best chance to win their first Premier League title. Spurs are just six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool (Spurs were more than 20 points behind 1st place Manchester City at this time last year), and there are reasons for Tottenham fans to be worried about the future if Spurs fail to win a trophy this year.

Testing Times Ahead?

If Spurs aren’t able to capitalise and win the Premier League title this season, they might not have as good a chance as this for quite some time. Pochettino signed a five year contract last year, but has been touted as the favourite for the Manchester United job, and has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

It’s hard to imagine that Spurs would be better off without Pochettino. Pochettino has led Spurs to three straight top three finishes, something Spurs have never accomplished in the PL previously. A new manager probably wouldn’t have much to spend in their first transfer window, and chairman Daniel Levy is famously reluctant to spend big money on new signings.

Pochettino isn’t the only key man at Spurs with an uncertain future, either. Toby Aldeweireld’s contract extension includes a £25m release clause, and the Belgian international has been heavily linked with a move away. Christian Eriksen’s contract is due to expire in 2020, and he has also been the subject of transfer speculation.

An Inconvenient Truth

The uncomfortable reality for Spurs is that the likes of Pochettino, Aldeweireld and Eriksen are more than good enough to compete for trophies in England or elsewhere. Unless Tottenham can convert their promise into a trophy, one or more of the three are likely to leave in the near future. Spurs will be a worse team for it, and so this season may be their last chance for a long while.