Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino claims he has the most unsettled squad since he has been at the club, which not what the Spurs fans want to hear just now.
Pochettino claimed on the eve of the new Premier League season that the European transfer window staying open until September 2 was a huge headache for him and reiterated the point after watching two late goals earn his side all three points against Aston Villa on the opening day.
The Argentine boss opened up again after Sunday’s shock 1-0 home defeat against Newcastle, when he hinted his squad is a mess with a host of players not knowing if they will be at the club for much longer.
Pochettino is clearly counting the clock down to the window closing, but there is still a week to go and the whole situation could have a devastating effect on Tottenham’s hopes of pushing for the title.
Every point is crucial, even at this very early stage and Manchester City already have seven while Liverpool have nine, five more than what Spurs have managed to pick up so far this season.
Next up for the Gunners is a huge game against Arsenal in the first north London derby of the season, but, with the window still open, the issues that Pochettino has highlighted will not be fixed before then.
And more dropped points could mean any hopes of mounting a title challenge is over after four games. Christian Eriksen seems to be the main issue for Spurs.
He was left on the bench against Newcastle as all the talk about a potential move away is clearly having an effect, and until he moves on or the deadline passes, it will continue to be the case.
Elsewhere, Jan Vertonghen, is in the final year of his contract, and has not played at all this season while Toby Alderweireld is also a free agent in the summer.
Danny Rose, who took his place in the starting line-up was told he could find himself a new club before the campaign began and there is a chance he will be allowed to leave if any offers come in for him this week.
Victor Wanyama has also been linked with a move to Belgium and could be on the move. It all adds up to an unsettled dressing room.
Some good business was done in the summer, to add to what Spurs already have, but their failure to deal properly with the players who have a question mark over their futures could undo all the good work.
Pochettino stressed the problems he has with his squad were not an excuse for the defeat against Newcastle, but he must believe it is a contributing factor to keep mentioning it.
The window staying open is the same for everyone, but would appear to be hitting Tottenham more than most, and has to be a reason for concern for the fans.
