Tottenham Hotspur hierarchy changes have sparked struggles on the pitch, says Tony Pulis

Tony Pulis has explained why he believes Tottenham’s leadership is responsible for the club’s consistent struggles on the pitch this season.

The Tottenham hierarchy will be hoping third time is the charm, after they appointed Roberto De Zerbi to replace Igor Tudor, who replaced Thomas Frank.

The Italian has just seven games to prevent the Lilywhites from being relegated for the first time in 48 years.

De Zerbi has reportedly made a strong first impression on the Tottenham squad, and Spurs fans will be hoping that the 46-year-old proves to be the right fit for the club on the back of a few poor appointments.

Tony Pulis claims changes at the top at Tottenham have held back managers

Pulis puts the North London club’s struggles this season down to the owners and the hierarchy taking their eye off the ball in terms of on-pitch performance.

He also suggested that the big changes that have been made at the boardroom level over the last 12 months have made life difficult for the managers in charge of the club.

The former Stoke City star told BBC Sport: “So, are Spurs’ current problems simply down to them taking their eye off the ball in terms of what is happening on the pitch, and being too focused on what is happening off it?

“While the club has invested heavily in the transfer market, it seems many of their supporters believe that they have always maintained a tight restraint on player wages – which I am sure has cost them when competing for signings with other top Premier League teams.

“On top of that, behind the scenes, they have not only moved on from long-serving executive Daniel Levy, who left in September after almost 25 years in the role, they have also consistently changed important roles in their management structure.

“By doing that, I’ve got no doubt that the club has impinged on their coach’s ability to construct and sustain a stable players’ identity model, which could and would instil a much more aligned system on the pitch.

“As I’ve mentioned in previous columns, today’s managers and coaches are more or less given players to coach rather than choosing signings themselves. If you are the manager and you have real differences of opinion with the people making those decisions, or there are constant changes above you, then goodness knows how you can be successful, whoever you are.”

Pulis believes De Zerbi would have sought clear guarantees from Spurs

Reports indicate that De Zerbi has been handed plenty of power by Tottenham on off-the-pitch decisions, with the Italian expected to have a major say on the club’s squad building.

Pulis has no doubt that the former Brighton boss will not have signed a five-year deal unless he has been given control of the club’s transfer targets.

The 68-year-old added: “Looking at where Spurs have gone wrong with some of their player recruitment in recent years, I cannot believe that a manager of Roberto de Zerbi’s standing would sign a five-year contract without him having some say on signings and the new players who will be coming into the club.

“With Spurs maintaining a strict wage budget, their recruitment must be smart and resourceful whatever division they are in, but it is also important it is in line with the coach’s needs and wishes.”

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