We need complete reset, says Tottenham chief

Vinai Venkatesham joined Tottenham in the summer of 2025 as chief executive.

Vinai Venkatesham began his tenure as Tottenham Hotspur's chief executive with a positive outlook last summer. However, that optimism quickly diminished. It would be an understatement to say his inaugural season did not go as planned.

In a comprehensive interview with BBC Sport, Venkatesham candidly addressed several key topics:

• The necessity for a "reset" within the club.
• The decision to retain Thomas Frank for an extended period.
• The misjudgment in appointing Igor Tudor.
• The personal abuse he has faced from the fanbase.
• The "extraordinary" impact of Roberto de Zerbi.
• The club's strategic recruitment plans.

After securing Premier League survival with a final-day victory over Everton, Venkatesham recounted the emotional turmoil of a relegation battle that extended into the final moments of the season.

"I think it was just a huge outpouring of relief," Venkatesham remarked, emphasizing that even amidst that relief, the club’s performance levels were below expectations. "But obviously feeling relief at the end of the season is nowhere near the standard of the football club."

The State of the Club

Upon assuming his role on June 1, Venkatesham held optimistic aspirations.

"On my very first day, I believed a realistic target for the men's first team would be competing for European places," he indicated.

Despite finishing 17th under Ange Postecoglou, the team had lifted the Europa League trophy, their first silverware since 2008, and featured a squad filled with experienced international players.

However, the reality of the situation became apparent swiftly.

"If you'd have asked me a few months after I joined, once I was no longer an outsider, I would have reported that the club was in a significantly worse state in some areas than I had initially believed," Venkatesham noted. "This is not a criticism; it was simply my observation. It's evident that a comprehensive reset is required in various facets of the club."

On the non-footballing front, Venkatesham acknowledged the club's strengths in stadium operations and commercial sectors but pointed out significant deficiencies in the footballing realm.

"I don’t believe there was what I would characterize as a relentless obsession with football success," he stated.

"Our training center is exceptional, arguably the best in the world. However, when you observe it, it resembles a luxury hotel more than a high-performance environment. That will undergo transformation over the summer.

"There are multiple areas where the club lacks the necessary level of expertise."

Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor

Frank's brief tenure, marked by an initial period of relative success with only one loss in the first ten matches across competitions, took a downturn. By the time of Frank’s February dismissal, the overwhelming sentiment was that it had not come soon enough. Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange encountered significant backlash from supporters for the delayed decision.

"The notion that the club was passive during this time is absolutely untrue," Venkatesham asserted.

In assessing Frank's future, he detailed that the club had weighed several factors including results, the likelihood of Frank reversing the team's fortunes, the potential impact of managerial changes on the January transfer window, fixture scheduling, and concerns about entering the interim head coach market.

Venkatesham confirmed that Tottenham had sought to recruit De Zerbi from Marseille as the permanent head coach post-Frank. However, De Zerbi was initially reluctant to accept the role mid-season, prompting Spurs to appoint Tudor, who ultimately departed by mutual consent after just seven matches.

"We were clearly disappointed when it became evident we wouldn't appoint Roberto on a permanent basis in February," Venkatesham admitted. "In the interim market, options are often limited. There were several factors influencing the choice of Igor: his experience in high-pressure environments—we needed someone who could handle the pressure.

"He is known for making an immediate impact and has experience managing major clubs. He possesses a markedly different personality compared to Thomas, and we felt a change was necessary.

"But we were acutely aware he lacked Premier League experience. Was selecting him a risk? Absolutely."

When asked if he viewed the Tudor appointment as a misstep, Venkatesham acknowledged: "It didn't work out. It's clear it didn't work out. I don't believe anyone would contest that."

Dealing with Supporter Anger

Following Daniel Levy's departure in September, after a successful 25-year tenure, Venkatesham has faced increasing frustration from certain segments of the fanbase.

When questioned about whether this discontent has led him to reassess his position within the club, he noted, "I understand the frustration of our supporters. It's evident that they've been disillusioned for some time, particularly after two consecutive 17th-place finishes."

"Clearly, that is unacceptable. Their reactions are rational and expected from our fanbase."

Venkatesham acknowledged that the club is confronting serious challenges that must be addressed on the footballing side. "We are cognizant of those issues, we are tackling them, and they haven’t resolved themselves quickly."

"They have accumulated over several years. I wish I could magically resolve these matters overnight, but that simply isn’t feasible. Addressing these issues will take time.

"I have complete faith in our strategy and the manner in which we are executing it. However, I recognize that supporters are understandably impatient, and I must endure that criticism."

Discussing the intense backlash from fans, Venkatesham remarked, "It’s not a simple task. Developing a thick skin is essential."

"My 15 years in football have equipped me to navigate this environment; it's not new to me."

"It’s inherently a game of differing opinions, and I’m completely comfortable with criticism. I believe everyone involved in football should expect it; it’s merely part of the profession."

"However, the challenge in football is that criticism often exceeds reasonable limits, affecting players, referees, and executives alike."

De Zerbi's Impact

Those engaged within Tottenham's operations will emphasize that De Zerbi’s influence has been significant. His contributions in securing 11 points from seven matches have played a crucial role in maintaining the club’s status in the top tier, but his growing presence is also fostering confidence among players.

"I think he has made an extraordinary impact thus far," stated Venkatesham.

"We must acknowledge that it’s still early days, and we must understand the specific circumstances he has faced.

"The magnitude of the challenge he inherited cannot be overstated. It’s difficult to quantify the significant impact he has had in the locker room with all the players.

"I believe he is an outstanding coach who embodies the style of football that our supporters and the broader football community wish to see."

Summer Recruitment Plans

De Zerbi is anticipated to be actively involved in the club's recruitment efforts this summer. Tottenham has initiated discussions with former Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl, while Venkatesham confirmed that the club has elevated its wage ceiling to attract premium players.

"The squad requires restructuring, and it currently lacks the proper balance," he emphasized.

"We need both experience and leadership, as well as the physical robustness required to compete in the most demanding league in existence.

"Strengthening the club will necessitate multiple transfer windows, but this upcoming window, in particular, is vital."