Johan Lange has defended Tottenham's lack of activity in the final weeks of the winter transfer window and revealed interim boss Igor Tudor could get the role permanently.
Lange faced the UK media on Friday and explained why Spurs turned to Tudor despite a lack of Premier League experience.
Tudor is no stranger to a mid-season arrival and difficult position, but will be without at least 11 players for Sunday's visit of rivals Arsenal.
'We interviewed a few (interim) candidates. Igor impressed us very, very much in the interview,' Lange explained. 'If you come in here on the Monday and you are playing at the weekend, you need to build relationships with the players immediately.
'You need to come in to build relationships but of course assess the style of the club immediately. He has shown that with great success, not only once but a few times, to come into that.
'That is one of the reasons why we believe he is the best candidate here now but of course also with his reputation and what he's done in his career. Of course if things go well, he could be here for a long time.'
Spurs lost nine players through injury last month, but after Conor Gallagher signed in a £34.7million deal on January 14, only 19-year-old left back Souza joined the club's threadbare squad.
Sporting director Lange insisted: 'I personally believe the new European format changed the dynamic a little.
'You are playing two very competitive matches (in January), with the fact that not only us but a lot of teams have what they would say is too many injuries.
'(That) meant that in January very few players who could make a difference for us now or in the future was available and then it's back to the point even though the squad is too short, we still have players we are unable to register for the (Champions League) last 16.
'So, to bring in players that cannot help us now or we don't believe have potential for the future, that unfortunately for me doesn't make sense.'
Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has twice already in 2026 expressed his frustration at the club's current situation on social-media.
'Romero is here, he is our captain, he is here on a long-term contract with the club,' Lange pointed out.
'I think we have been clear as a club that we have dealt with that internally and now it is about being together.'