Romero Optimistic Of Tottenham's Awakening After Frustration Full Season

Cristian Romero is optimistic that Tottenham Hotspur's trip to the Champions League this season will be long (Instagram/@spursofficial).

Tottenham Hotspur returned to the Champions League for the last time in 2022/2023. They will host Villarreal on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, early in the morning WIB, in the opening match.

Spurs captain Cristian Romero said the return of the team to the Champions League was the beginning of the era of revival.

He believes Tottenham Hotspur are moving in the right direction again after seasons are frustrated by failing to compete with major clubs, especially in the Premier League.

Romero helped Spurs win their first trophy in 17 years with Europa League champions' success in May 2025, which saw them qualify for the Champions League this season.

Europeancelebration in Bilbao comes at the end of a volatile season. In December 2024, Romero made a statement that Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City's spending should be emulated by top Tottenham officials who could easily compete for the title every year.

Then on the day of Thomas Frank's appointment, June 2025 - after Ange Postecoglou was sacked 16 days after the Europa League final - Romero paid tribute to his former manager for his achievements despite the many obstacles that always exist and will always exist.

"Yes, I did a lot of interviews that I seemed to be badmouthing the people inside the club, but in the end I was a person who sometimes made mistakes and that's all."

"I always want the best for the club. Sometimes, someone says the wrong thing too, but everything I say is always because I want clubs that can be at the top level, part of big clubs."

"That's why I've been so angry sometimes before, but today I see a very, very organized club, with a clear idea and a coach who organizes everything. Everyone sees that in a short time we were with him and that's it."

"Everyone inside the club is really looking in the same direction and that's what matters. We certainly hope to continue like this," said Spurs captain Romero.

Ahead of Villarreal's visit to London, Romero confirmed that Spurs will enjoy every trip in the Champions League this season.

"There are targets for the season, but as I said before, our focus is on the match against Villarreal."

"We will enjoy our return to the Champions League, that's the most important thing. I see a fantastic squad, a coach who gives us a clear picture."

"This squad is very happy. We have to go through the game after game, but I'm sure we can achieve great things. We hope and will fight to lift another trophy," Romero said.

Meanwhile, Dominic Solanke missed Spurs' training ahead of the Champions League opener.

Solanke has not appeared since a 2-0 win over Manchester City on August 23, 2025 due to serious ankle problems.

The injury left Solanke out for most of the pre-season. Despite being fit enough to play in Spurs' first three competitive matches under Frank's direction, he had to undergo treatment and be significantly absent from the club's open training session on Monday, September 15, 2025.

Mid-back Radu Dragusin, who has not played since suffering anterior cruciatum (ACL) ligament injury in January 2025, was involved in a training session without physical contact before individual training.

The recruited players at the end of the summer, Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani, both are in training at Hotspur Way.

Kolo Muani is scheduled to make his Spurs debut at home to Villarreal.