Tottenham Hotspur legend Chris Waddle has insisted Mauricio Pochettino must be given time and the board's full backing to address their recent slump in form.
It's been a poor start to the Premier League season for Spurs, who sit ninth in the table after losing three of their opening eight matches.
In the Champions League, they've only collected one point from their opening two matches, creating a real possibility that last season's finalists may not make the knockout stages.
With turmoil behind the scenes adding to the issues, with the likes of Christian Eriksen, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen all out of contract in the summer, many feel Pochettino has arrived at a crossroads with this group of players.
While some feel it is time for the Argentine boss to step away, others are laying the blame at Daniel Levy's door for not backing the Spurs boss in the transfer market.
However, Waddle is firmly in the latter of the two camps and believes Pochettino should be given time and whatever tools necessary to rebuild the Tottenham squad.
The former England star highlighted Tottenham's ageing defence as a particular area that needs revamping, with Alderweireld and Vertonghen both 30 and 32 respectively and free to leave the club for nothing in the summer, as things stand.
Speaking to Racing Post, Waddle said: "Tottenham have the best training ground in the country and probably the best stadium in the world, it's certainly the best I've ever been to. Everything is geared towards success. But success is determined on the pitch.
"There are key players who will soon be out of contract. You don't see that with Liverpool or Manchester City. Big clubs nail down long-term deals for their best players.
"Looking at the back four, Serge Aurier wanted to leave but they kept him and got rid of Kieran Trippier, who didn't want to leave.
"Alli was poor last season and Lucas Moura is a hit-and-miss player. Christian Eriksen is running down his contract and should never have been allowed to get in that position.
"The Champions League and new stadium should have been a stepping stone but Spurs have lost confidence and shape - the system which was working before isn't now. Playing against them at the moment is very easy."
"Toby Alderweireld is out of contract, Jan Vertonghen wants a new deal and defence is a weakness for Spurs. It doesn't help that they play very high.
"For what Mauricio Pochettino has done at the club, he has to be given time. The club must sit him down and ask him what he needs. If it means signing five players then that's what it takes.
"If it means playing on the counter-attack against big teams then so be it. They can't keep playing so high or they'll be carved apart. Tottenham need to finish in the top four - it's as simple as that."
