Finding a manager to lead you to your first-ever Premier League title can’t be easy. Just ask Liverpool before they landed Jurgen Klopp. Still, the way Daniel Levy and Tottenham are going about hiring a coach makes The Keystone Cops appear organised.
Gennaro Gattuso in advanced negotiations with Tottenham board over a potential two-years contract. Jorge Mendes directly involved in the discussions between Spurs and former Napoli manager. ⚪️ #THFC #Spurs
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 17, 2021
After suddenly ending talks with Paulo Fonseca, the hierarchy inexplicably turned to failed AC Milan and Fiorentina boss, Gennaro Gattuso. Now, it seems as if that fling is over too. What this shows is Tottenham’s growing inadequacies, and if the bosses aren’t careful, the schoolboy approach could come back to haunt the team.
Harry Kane – White Hart Lane or Leave?
That’s the question constantly on Harry Kane’s mind at the moment. Regardless of whether he’s focusing on England and the Euros, he knows he has to decide his domestic future soon. The clinical striker may already have done it, but if he hasn’t, he can’t be buoyed bWhaty the fact that his boyhood club is scrambling around to find its next leader.
Kane is world-class and has already stated his intention to win trophies and collect silverware. Averaging 0.66 goals per match, or 166 Premier League goals in 245 games, he will walk into any side in the world. Therefore, Spurs need to be proactive and prove to him that they are on the right track, i.e., capable of challenging for titles.
The sad truth is they aren’t because the Premier League betting market has them at 40/1 for the 2021/22 outright win, and that’s with their best player still in the team. If he goes, which the manager farce could convince him to do, Tottenham Hotspur will be in deep trouble.
Incomings Are Going
Spurs require serious investment if they are going to break into the top four, never mind challenge for the Premier League trophy. Buying decent players won’t cut the mustard, either. They need the likes of Bale when he was in his 20s, not when he’s 31-years-old and declining. Of course, the fact that Levy has no clue who the next coach will be is problematic.
Firstly, a manager needs time to develop a plan of attack. The less he gets, the less likely it is he will take advantage of the summer transfer window. Secondly, top-class players are put off by any negativity surrounding teams they may potentially move to. As a result, Spurs are left with the people who may not take them to the next level.
Tariq Lamptey has potential and performed well for Brighton, but he’s not the world-class signing the supporters crave. They want Erling Braut Haaland and Jadon Sancho, who appear likely to sign for Spurs’ nearest rivals. Ouch.
The Worst Start
What’s the backdrop for the club’s search for a manager? It’s the release of the fixture list, which has Tottenham playing Pep Guardiola’s Man City at home on the first day of the season. Playing the champions at any stage is challenging, but it’s made worse by the fact that Spurs are without a manager.
With no coach, there is no philosophy, and with no philosophy, there will be a group of guys on a football pitch running around like headless chickens. Yes, it’s only one game and the season is very long. However, City and Liverpool have shown recently that title contenders can’t drop points. If teams do, they’ll rapidly fall behind in the pecking order.
Not only will the tie against City be hard to watch if Ryan Mason is still at the helm, but it may suggest a not-so-bright campaign for the Whites.
Right now, Spurs are undoing the strong foundations laid by Mauricio Pochettino by undermining the club’s standing. For Harry Kane and co, it’s an unhealthy sign that may lead to bigger issues down the line.