Victor Wanyama Opens Up on Why Tottenham's 2016/17 Dream Team Fell Short Under Mauricio Pochettino

Victor Wanyama strongly believes that if Tottenham Hotspur had held onto Mauricio Pochettino and their squad during the 2016/17 season squad for a little longer, then they would have won a title.

Spurs fans still look back fondly on the 2016–17 side, widely regarded as the peak of Mauricio Pochettino’s five-year spell.

The squad featured a prime ‘DESK’ attack of Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen, Son Heung-min, and Golden Boot winner Harry Kane.

The team was anchored by Victor Wanyama, who provided a dominant physical presence in midfield and scored the historic final goal at White Hart Lane as Spurs secured a second-place finish.

That team began to unravel in the second half of the season, first with Kyle Walker’s move to Manchester City and then a significant knee injury for Danny Rose, which proved just as damaging to its balance.

“It feels great (to be remembered that way), but that was the truth, I think,” Victor Wanyama told The Athletic in an interview.

“We enjoyed playing together, and we played with no fear. We did what we had to do and everybody gave their all on the pitch. We had such a good group at that time. We gelled well as a team on and off the pitch; we were really close. I think we were closer as a team than (our rivals). We emptied the tank on the pitch.”

Victor Wanyama further explained that Mauricio Pochettino had a strong ability to connect with his squad beyond match situations, understanding each player’s personality and tailoring his approach to suit them.

The former Harambee Stars captain noted that the manager set high expectations and consistently challenged individuals to grow and elevate their performance. Wanyama added that the squad fully trusted his guidance and responded with total commitment, following his instructions closely.

He also highlighted that Pochettino played a key role in developing them professionally, bringing out their full potential and helping them reach levels they may not have achieved otherwise.

“And players listened to him and did everything he asked for. With him, it was special because he improved us as players. He knew how to get the best out of players,” Victor Wanyama added. “We needed another year, with all of us, and we could have won something.”

Now officially retired, having made his final professional appearances during a brief four-match spell with Scottish side Dunfermline Athletic, Victor Wanyama has become more reflective about how injuries shaped the latter stages of his career.

The former Kenya international is currently based in London, working towards his coaching qualifications as he looks ahead to a potential return to Tottenham Hotspur in a new capacity.

“I’ve done B and now I’m doing the A Licence,” he added. “Also, training every day, trying to make the knee stronger! That’s my life now. Hopefully, one day, I can be a manager. Wherever I get the chance in Europe, I’d be grateful. To just get some experience first and then one day be a good manager.

“Hopefully, I can get to a club to get some experience in youth coaching. I haven’t spoken to Tottenham yet but soon we’ll have that conversation.”