Exclusive: Sandro believes the relegation scare was the wake up call Tottenham needed

The north London club went through a turbulent season, only guaranteeing their Premier League survival on the last day with a tight 1-0 win at home against Everton.

Spurs' chaotic season also featured several changes of manager and a run of 15 matches without a win, just one less than the club's worst ever winless league sequence, which dates back 91 years.

For Sandro, who was at Tottenham for four years, the current situation is almost unrecognisable compared to the team he used to represent regularly in European competitions.

However, he stresses that the painful experience must now serve as a basis for rebuilding, especially in the transfer market, where the club needs to act more decisively going forward.

"I believe it was important for everyone to experience the pain of being near the bottom, because at Tottenham, we had never felt that before," Sandro told Flashscore.com in an exclusive interview via Noxwin.com.

"For me, I played at Tottenham for four years and... oh my goodness, we were always in the top four or top five. Now, to have the sensation of almost being relegated, it was insane."

"I was suffering in every match, my heart, oh my goodness, it was so incredibly hard to be in that position this season."

"I believe now we have an opportunity to rebuild, and to be more proactive, let's get things done early, let's track players, let's make signings early, because I think this season we waited until the transfer deadline to sign everyone."

"We were in a position, for example with Eberechi Eze, we were about to sign him, and then we didn't. But we needed to do our business early, so now we must complete everything earlier before the season starts."

De Zerbi appointment a smart move by Spurs

Thomas Frank started the season as manager of the three time Europa League winners, but was later sacked and replaced by Igor Tudor.

However, Tudor's brief tenure did not improve the results, lasting only 44 days with the club still in deep trouble.

The arrival of Roberto de Zerbi at the end of March transformed Spurs' fortunes, as the north London side accumulated 11 points from their last six games, which proved sufficient to guarantee their Premier League status.

Sandro commended the appointment of the Italian coach, calling it a masterstroke from the club.

"The key thing here is to have de Zerbi, to have the man with a plan. I think Tottenham did that, they got their early business done by signing de Zerbi," the 37 year old continued.

"Everyone in the media was saying, 'oh, a five year contract', blah, blah, blah... if they get relegated... but Tottenham made a very smart move, because having de Zerbi now, it's... wow!"

"If Tottenham had waited until now to hire de Zerbi, it would have been impossible to get him as their manager after the season."

"He would likely have joined another club. So, we have de Zerbi now, we have the concept, the playing style, and now it's just about bringing in the players, but the most important thing is that we have a style now."

Sandro: Rebuilding is the priority for Spurs

As preparations for the upcoming season step up, Tottenham have already made considerable progress in bolstering their defence, with Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi set to join.

Discussions are also ongoing regarding potential moves for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke and Manchester City winger Savinho as the north London side aims to reshape their squad.

When asked if a top four finish is realistic for next season or if the club should concentrate on a longer rebuilding process, Sandro, who had stints at Genoa and Udinese, called for patience, particularly with the manager and the ongoing reconstruction.

"Well, that's a good question because we could be in the top four! We could. Because of what Tottenham is and what Tottenham already has, but it is a long shot!"

"Let's concentrate on rebuilding. Rebuilding the squad, allowing time for the players to come in and settle. I think we can set a target of two years to return to the Champions League."

"Yes, I said this when de Zerbi signed, because a lot of people were asking me, knowing about my connection with de Zerbi, and I said, guys, you're going to love de Zerbi... So we need to support him, and everyone will love him."

"He has a great heart. He is the right man for Spurs, the right coach for us, and he will bring us many wonderful memories in the years to come."

"So just have faith in him, but this season will be better. It will be far better than what he achieved in the seven matches at the end of last season."

Below is a revised version:

Tottenham will start their pre season tour with a match against Auckland FC on July 26th at Eden Park. It will be Spurs' second trip to New Zealand, having last visited the country in 1976.

They will then head to Australia to play Sydney FC on July 29th, before facing London rivals Chelsea on August 1st.