Tottenham Hotspur have parted ways with women's first-team head coach Robert Vilahamn after a disappointing season in the Women's Super League (WSL). The decision marks a significant turning point for the club as they embark on a summer of change, seeking to revitalize both their men's and women's teams.
Vilahamn's tenure, which began in July 2023, saw initial promise, with Spurs reaching their first-ever Women's FA Cup final in May 2024 and securing a sixth-place finish in the league. The Swedish coach was brought in with the intention of building on that progress and challenging the WSL's top teams. However, the 2024-25 season proved to be a major setback.
Tottenham struggled mightily in the league, finishing second from bottom with just five wins in 22 matches. Their points tally plummeted by 11 compared to the previous season, and only relegated Crystal Palace conceded more goals. This poor defensive record, coupled with an inconsistent attack, led to a series of heavy defeats against top sides like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City. The team also ended the campaign on a dismal run, failing to win any of their last 10 league games.
The club's management expressed their disappointment with the team's performance, stating that results and performances "have not been to the level we would expect." Managing director Andy Rogers acknowledged the "special moments" during Vilahamn's time, including the FA Cup final appearance, but emphasized the need for a change in direction.
Vilahamn's departure follows that of senior assistant coach Vicky Jepson, who recently left to join the United States women's youth teams. These changes signal a comprehensive restructuring of the women's team as Tottenham aims to rebuild and compete more effectively in the WSL.
Despite the disappointing season, Vilahamn had previously expressed his long-term ambitions with Tottenham and his desire to build on the project. He emphasized the need for patience and a strong mentality, acknowledging that the season had been a struggle but also an opportunity for growth. He also said the team had a clear attacking identity.
Tottenham now faces the challenge of finding a new manager who can revitalize the squad and bring a winning mentality back to the club. The new coach will need to address the team's defensive vulnerabilities, improve their attacking consistency, and create a cohesive unit capable of competing with the WSL's elite. The search for a new manager is underway, and the club will be looking for someone who shares their vision for the future and has a proven track record of success.
