But a crushing 5–2 defeat to Atletico Madrid has left caretaker coach Igor Tudor expected to lose his job, while the long-term futures of both Antonin Kinsky and Guglielmo Vicario are now clouded in uncertainty.
Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Spain was initially viewed as having little bearing on Tottenham’s Premier League survival fight. Yet the nature of the defeat has triggered an even more dramatic shift in mood around the club.
Players and supporters alike now head into a crucial clash with Liverpool totally demoralised, with Spurs battling to avoid relegation to the Championship.
In the hours following the loss on Tuesday night, sources indicated that Tudor’s spell in charge is nearing its end, and it is believed that initial conversations have already taken place over who might step in until the end of the season.
A run of four consecutive defeats - during which Tottenham have conceded 14 goals - has intensified pressure on Tudor and deepened the sense of crisis around the club.
After the Atletico game, Tudor was directly asked if he deserves to continue in his role, and told reporters: “No comment.”
Tudor’s decision to start Kinsky ahead of the club’s regular first-choice Vicario backfired badly on Tuesday night and could prove to be a call with consequences extending well beyond this season.
Vicario had already been considering a move, and it appears increasingly likely the former Empoli goalkeeper will return to Italy next season.
Kinsky had been waiting for his opportunity, but his Champions League debut clanger may leave him facing a serious confidence crisis as he fights to work his way back at Spurs.
Tottenham have already been looking into new goalkeeping options for next season, and at this stage two of the leading candidates they are interested in are Bart Verbruggen from Brighton and James Trafford from Manchester City.
But before such decisions are made, Spurs need to retain their Premier League status.
The fight against the drop means a turbulent summer is unavoidable - but staying up would at least give them a chance to address their major issues and rebuild.
At the moment, it is looking very possible that Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro are to be among the key figures to leave after this season, along with number one keeper Vicario.
