Victoria Pelova has discussed her direct transfer from Arsenal to Tottenham Hotspur Women in an interview with The Guardian. The 27-year-old midfielder made the switch this summer, seeking a fresh start under head coach Martin Ho.
Pelova admitted initial nerves about informing her former Arsenal teammates of the move. "I was really scared to tell my old teammates that I was going here," she said. However, she was met with widespread support, which she sees as a reflection of her character. Her decision was heavily influenced by Ho's detailed vision for her role, a level of clarity she says she had never received from a coach before.
Why did Pelova choose Tottenham?
Martin Ho's precise plan for Pelova was the major factor. She explained that while previous coaches saw her as versatile, Ho identified a specific position and style for her immediately. This detailed approach and his focus on player development convinced her. Personal considerations were also important, as staying in London meant remaining close to her support network following the loss of her mother earlier this year.
Her existing friendships within the squad smoothed the transition. Pelova is close with fellow Dutch internationals Caitlin Dijkstra, a teammate for eight years, and Lize Kop. This ready-made bond has helped her settle quickly both on and off the pitch during a demanding pre-season. You can see how the squad is shaping up on our squad page.
What is Pelova's outlook for the season?
Pelova is embracing Tottenham's underdog status in the Women's Super League. She believes the team can disrupt the established order and relishes that challenge. Her immediate focus is on regaining consistent playing time and happiness, which she directly links to her best performances. After an ACL injury in June 2024 limited her opportunities at Arsenal, she is confident in her physical readiness for Ho's intense training regimen.
She is eager for the competitive season to begin, specifically highlighting the north London derby against Arsenal on October 25th at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Before that, the team opens their WSL campaign at home to West Ham United this Sunday. Fans can follow the full schedule on our fixtures list.
How does Pelova fit into the current team?
Pelova joins a Tottenham side looking to build on a solid foundation. The team finished in a respectable league position last season and will be aiming to climb higher. Her experience and technical quality add depth to a midfield that already includes creative players. Her familiarity with Ho's tactical style, which she found difficult to play against last season, should allow for a quicker integration into the starting lineup.
The squad's current injury situation, which you can monitor on our injuries page, will influence early selection decisions. Pelova's arrival provides Martin Ho with another proven WSL option as he manages the squad through a busy fixture list. The season kicks off at Brisbane Road against West Ham on September 6th.
