There’s no greater boost than a managerial extension ahead of the biggest game of the season against local rivals – but Tottenham and Martin Ho did just that ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Arsenal in the WSL on Saturday, broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The 35-year-old has made quite the turnaround since Spurs finished 11th in the WSL last season, signing a new long-term deal just nine months after arriving at the club.
Tottenham currently sit in fifth place, but at one point this season they were not only ahead of Arsenal, but also almost thwarted a traditional top four.
As the season progresses, Ho has cited consistency as one of the reasons for dropping out of the European race, but has certainly shown that with a little more effort Tottenham can be part of the WSL’s elite group.
Ho is now given the time and trust to do that job in his new contract, but it was a deal that surprised him.
Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports about how the deal came about, he said: “Three or four weeks ago, Andy[Rogers]dropped me a message and said, ‘Can we catch up in the morning?'” And of course if a managing director sends it to you, you’re like, “What’s going on here?”
Saturday, March 28th 5pm
5:30pm kickoff
“But he met with management and the board and they were really happy with what we were doing and the direction we were going.
“They wanted to make sure I was here for the long term to work on this project and move it forward. They felt like I was someone who could help them accomplish what they wanted to accomplish. As a coach, it’s nice to hear that.”
“Then I want to make sure that we can agree on a lot of things, but we agree on absolutely everything. I really love the staff and the players that I work with.
“I feel like we’re actually accomplishing a lot here and we’re probably kind of a sleeping giant in women’s football. We just need a little bit of direction and polish and we can take a really big step forward.”
I feel like I can do a lot with this club and maybe be a sleeping giant in women’s football. All it takes is a little direction and polish and you can really take a big step forward.
Martin Ho signs new contract with Spurs
“This is a credit to all those who came before me who have led this club to where it is now and I have great respect for them.
“I am truly grateful to the owners and management for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I would like to repay that trust by presenting them with silverware.”
It is perhaps a measure of Ho’s own success that this is the first time Spurs have recorded back-to-back defeats in the WSL under Ho, having lost their last two games to Everton and Manchester City.
Tottenham are almost in their own bubble in the table, currently six points behind the Gunners in fourth place, but nine points ahead of the other teams. The improvement and ambition are clear, but the ceiling has not yet been broken for those above it.
“We can’t be comfortable where we are because we’re not,” Ho said. “If you want to close that gap, you have to be consistent, that’s the biggest thing for me.
“You can talk about players and everything else, but the reality is consistency gets you to that position and the teams above you are there because of consistency.
“Where you end up at the end of the season is where you need to be. I always tell my players, persistence gets you there, but consistency keeps you there.”
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Highlights of the Women’s Super League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur
“We have to find a consistent level in our performance and if we can find that as a team and as individuals then we can really push the envelope.
“Maybe I just wasn’t consistent with my performance at times. I had some really good moments early[in the season]I did well after I came back, and I had some dips in form, which is to be expected. It’s my responsibility to make sure we don’t have those dips.”
At the end of the season, where you finish is where you deserve to be. I always tell my players, persistence will get you there, but consistency will keep you there.
Martin Ho talks about Spurs’ league position
Nowhere was this more evident than on Saturday against Man City. The WSL leaders took a 5-1 lead at the half, but Spurs’ much better performance in the second half kept them at bay.
Indeed, Bethany England, who will be making her 200th WSL appearance this weekend, scored the only goal after the break, but the difference between the halves was notable.
“It was a disappointing performance in the first half,” said Coach Ho. “We didn’t do well. We weren’t aggressive enough in close one-on-one games. We didn’t protect the box enough against first contact and we didn’t win enough. Even in the second phase, we didn’t recover enough.”
“We were more like us in the second half. We were more aggressive, we closed in duels for the ball high up and we defended the box well in our own half. We had a lot of chances with the ball, we were brave and there was a lot of individual flair, instinct and creativity in the central part of the pitch.
She has played a huge role in the growth of not only her game, but women’s soccer in general. She is seen as a role model and we need to make sure that we celebrate our players when they win these kinds of accolades. Because these are the people who have paved the way for a lot of young players.
Martin Ho talks about Bethany England’s 200th WSL appearance
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Ahead of Arsenal v Tottenham at the Emirates, we take a look back at some of the best moments from past North London derbies.
“Probably by half-time, if you look at the game, we are losing 5-1, so the pressure will be off of the players and they will be able to play a little more freely without having something on their shoulders.
“If we can perform like we did in the second half, we will be able to compete with a lot of teams because we know we can do it at a good level.
“We have to make sure we have that (second half) performance every week. We can’t just allow ourselves a 45-minute performance. We have to make sure we continue to perform for 90 minutes. At this level, if you don’t do that, you’re punished. We have to consider this more of a wake-up call than a warning.”
Tottenham travel to Arsenal on Saturday, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, and will be hoping for their best 90 minutes of the season. Spurs held their north London rivals to a goalless draw in November and will be hoping to hand Renee Sleggers just his second defeat in 21 games at the Emirates Stadium.
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Highlights of November’s Women’s Super League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal
When asked how Spurs could beat Arsenal, simply, Ho replied: “Scoring more goals than them, that’s probably the easiest way.”
“I enjoy these games and the players enjoy them too. We don’t need to motivate them for the North London derby. There should be real pride and passion in our hearts to represent this club and play in these games.”
“What we absolutely have to do is perform at a high level and maximize the potential of each individual. If we play the way we want to play, we can play against anyone.
“We performed relatively well against them at home earlier in the season and really took the game to their side in the first half. We had to defend more in the second half and that really showed our character.
“That should give us confidence that when we want to perform at that level, we can do it. The important thing for us is to find consistency at that level and not leave it too long before we actually perform at a high level in the game.”
The fundamental elements are in place for Tottenham. Ho implemented his ideas quickly and effectively in a talented team, and preparations to further develop next season are rapidly accelerating.
“We have a really good foundation in place to build on right now and the standards, expectations, style of play and identity are really solidified, so it’s about how we can build on that growth and really evolve as we head into next year,” Ho added.
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Ahead of Arsenal v Tottenham at the Emirates, we take a look back at some of the best moments from past North London derbies.
“If we want to progress we need to evolve the team and we will do that in the summer, but it has to suit our dynamics as a team and as individuals. Individual characteristics are very important.”
“We’re going to take care of business in the summer. All we need to do is get the right players in the right positions. That way we’ll not only evolve as a team, but we’ll have more competition and balance across the team.”
Keep an eye on the sleeping giant. Eventually, they might wake up from their slumber and give those above them something to think about in the WSL.
Watch Arsenal vs Tottenham in the WSL live on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League from 5pm. Kickoff 5:30pm.
