Alan Shearer Advocates for a Shift in Priorities for Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United
Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, two of the Premier League’s prominent clubs, are facing a critical period in their respective campaigns, and according to football legend Alan Shearer, both clubs need to reassess their current priorities if they wish to take the next step in their development.
Two Clubs, Similar Short-Term Goals
Tottenham and Newcastle share several similarities when it comes to their immediate goals. Both clubs have been striving for success at the highest levels of English football, and while they’ve seen moments of promise in recent seasons, neither has been able to establish consistent dominance. Both clubs managed to break into the Premier League’s top four in recent seasons—a feat that was once thought of as an exclusive domain for the traditional “top six” clubs. For both Spurs and the Magpies, breaking into the Champions League places was a monumental achievement, but now the challenge is to make it a regular occurrence, not just a rare exception.
At the time of writing, Tottenham sits in 10th place in the Premier League table, while Newcastle occupies the 8th spot, both separated by a mere two points. The league standings are tight, with just a few points separating the mid-table clubs from the coveted European spots. Despite the compact nature of the table, both teams are well aware that they are not where they should be, or where they aspire to be. The challenge now is to see a marked improvement in form and consistency, particularly if they want to realize their Champions League dreams in the near future.
The Call for a Shift in Focus
Alan Shearer, however, has a different view on the matter. While both Tottenham and Newcastle are undoubtedly focused on their league performance, Shearer argues that their immediate focus should shift away from the Premier League and instead be directed toward cup competitions, which offer an alternate route to success. On the Rest is Football podcast, Shearer answered a listener’s question regarding why both teams seem to be neglecting cup tournaments, such as the FA Cup and the League Cup. His response was direct and honest: “No, I agree. I totally agree. I do find it frustrating at times.”
Shearer acknowledged the pressures that come with managing a Premier League club, particularly when it comes to balancing league ambitions with squad rotation and player satisfaction. He noted that managers are often focused on securing the highest possible league finish because of the financial and prestige benefits that come with it. Finishing higher in the league not only boosts a team’s standing and guarantees more lucrative sponsorships, but it also strengthens the manager’s position at the club, helping them to maintain a sense of stability in their job.
However, Shearer believes that both Tottenham and Newcastle should be aiming for more than just league success. “I understand all those things,” he continued. “But I’m of the same opinion—particularly teams like Tottenham and Newcastle, who could really do with a trophy.” Shearer’s point is clear: for clubs like Tottenham and Newcastle, who have long been in search of silverware, a focus on the cup competitions could prove more beneficial in the short term.
The Path to Trophy Glory
While cup competitions may appear to have a shorter path to success than a full 38-game Premier League campaign, Shearer is not suggesting that they are necessarily “easier” or “less competitive.” On the contrary, any team hoping to win a cup competition will still have to overcome formidable opposition, including some of the best teams in the league. The key is in how the squad is developed and maintained. A club needs to build a team capable of competing on multiple fronts—something that requires a balance of squad depth, tactical flexibility, and mental resilience.
Shearer pointed out how managers like Pep Guardiola and José Mourinho have used domestic cup competitions, such as the League Cup, to instill a “winning mentality” into their teams. By lifting trophies early in a manager’s tenure, teams can build confidence and a sense of success that translates into stronger performances in other competitions, including the league.
However, Shearer was quick to emphasize that winning cups is not just about focusing solely on the tournaments and neglecting the league. It is about developing a squad capable of handling multiple challenges throughout the season. “You do not establish a winning mentality through concessions, or accepting league losses in favour of cups,” he explained. “It is a long process to build a squad that can compete across four heavily scheduled competitions, and you can’t afford to ignore any one of them.”
For Shearer, Tottenham’s best chance of success in the long run is not to give up on league aspirations but to embrace the challenge of competing across all fronts. Rather than conceding the league as a lost cause, the team should focus on improving its overall squad and mentality, and perhaps more importantly, they should not shy away from the opportunity to chase cup glory.
The Bigger Picture: Building for the Future
The overarching message from Shearer is that both Tottenham and Newcastle have the potential to achieve great things. However, they need to recalibrate their approach, especially in the current season. Achieving success in the Premier League is no easy feat, and while both clubs have invested heavily in their squads, the road to sustained league success requires more than just improvement on the pitch—it requires a broader vision.
Shearer believes that Tottenham, in particular, has the resources and the potential to challenge for major trophies, including cup titles. By targeting success in domestic cup competitions, Spurs could reignite a winning culture that could spill over into their league form, eventually helping them to achieve the consistency required to secure a place in the Champions League year after year.
Likewise, Newcastle, with the backing of their new ownership and a growing squad, should see cup competitions as an opportunity to build a legacy of success. Shearer’s advice is clear: now is the time for both clubs to focus on trophies, not just the league.
In conclusion, both Tottenham and Newcastle need to reassess their priorities as they look to evolve into consistently competitive clubs. While the league is important, Shearer’s message is that chasing cups, nurturing a winning mentality, and building a squad capable of competing at the highest level across multiple competitions should be the primary goal. For clubs with aspirations like Tottenham and Newcastle, the journey toward true success is multifaceted, and Shearer’s advice offers a blueprint for both clubs to follow as they seek to redefine their futures.
