Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero has publicly criticized the club’s board for insufficient investment in the squad following a 4-3 defeat to Chelsea, a match in which Spurs squandered a 2-0 lead. The loss, their latest in a challenging season, leaves Tottenham in 11th place in the Premier League after 15 games.
Speaking to Telemundo Deportes, the Argentine World Cup winner did not hold back in assessing the club’s shortcomings. “Manchester City competes every year, Liverpool strengthens its squad, Chelsea keeps investing—those are the models to imitate,” said Romero. “Hopefully, the board realizes something is going wrong because this is a beautiful club that should be competing for titles.”
The 26-year-old defender, who has played under five different managers since joining Spurs in 2021, believes the blame for the club’s struggles lies with the board rather than current manager Ange Postecoglou. “It’s always the same – players change, coaches change, but the same people are responsible,” he added.
Frustrations Mount Amid Financial Woes
Tottenham’s financial struggles have been under scrutiny, with the club reporting losses for a fourth consecutive year in April 2024. Despite record revenues of £549.6m for the 2022-23 season, they recorded an £86.8m deficit. Chairman Daniel Levy acknowledged the need for “significant equity investment” to continue developing the club.
Spurs spent £122.8m during the 2023 summer transfer window on players like Dominic Solanke (£65m) and Lucas Bergvall (£8.5m). However, Romero’s comments highlight dissatisfaction with the current strategy, which focuses on younger, long-term prospects over immediate reinforcements.
Mixed Views on Levy’s Leadership
Levy, who has chaired the club since 2001, has faced increasing criticism for Tottenham’s lack of silverware. Pundit Jamie Carragher has called for new leadership, stating, “It’s time for someone else to come in. To not win a trophy in that period, with the managers they’ve had, is unacceptable.”
However, some have defended Levy’s approach. Former player Andros Townsend praised his “sustainable” management, which has included the construction of a £1bn stadium and investment in the club’s training facilities.
Looking Forward
As Spurs navigate another turbulent season, the debate over the club’s direction intensifies. While Romero’s comments may resonate with fans frustrated by years of near-misses, they also shine a spotlight on broader issues within the modern game, where financial power often dictates success.
With Tottenham reportedly seeking new investors, it remains to be seen whether the club can balance sustainability with competitiveness in the Premier League’s financial arms race. For now, the pressure is mounting on all fronts as Spurs attempt to salvage their season.
