Since Harry Redknapp’s shock departure last week, Tottenham have been linked with a vast array of potential successors. These names include Andre Villas-Boas, Fabio Capello, Laurent Blanc and David Moyes. Daniel Levy is no doubt keen to appoint a new manager as soon as possible, giving the new boss the opportunity to make his mark on the squad before the start of the new season.
It’s likely; whoever fills this position will have a very different footballing mind-set to Redknapp. The current set up at spurs is perfect, in my opinion, for a new manager to have instant success upon arrival. The foundations left after Redknapp’s resignation could become an extreme force within the next few seasons. A fresh philosophy and a few tweaks to the team could produce a title winning side, certainly an establishment capable of Champions League qualification each season.
However, the first test for the new boss will be keeping the likes of Gareth Bale, Van Der Vaart and Luka Modric at White Hart Lane. Recently each of these players has faced heavy speculation linking them with moves away from the club. It’ll take skilful man-management to convince them to stay.
Clearly this managerial position will be a huge opportunity for whoever is eventually appointed, unfortunately, like all over transfer gossip, until an official statement is issued from the club, in this case Tottenham, we will all be left guessing. Here’s a summary of the current likely candidates.
Andre Villas-Boas
AVB is currently the favourite to land the Spurs job. Following his disappointing exit from Chelsea he’s remained club-less. Personally, I think he would be a great choice for Tottenham. His sacking from Chelsea came after a turbulent 8 months in charge; this was typified by a reported feud between the 34-year-old and his senior players.
Tottenham would provide a prefect atmosphere for the Portuguese coach. Despite his age he has obvious talent at the top level of European football – his time at Porto ended in success after a treble winning season at the club. Spurs would provide the quality of players available at Chelsea, without the egos that clearly caused a problem.
Villas-Boas’s acceptance of the job will depend on how much backing he is given in the transfer market. The retention of midfielder Luka Modric – whom Villas-Boas tried to sign while he was at Chelsea – is thought to be one of the key aims.
The young manager could be the perfect the perfect candidate to lead the North London club into a new era. Spurs have already made contact with the representatives of Villas-Boas, and he is the currently the clear favourite become the Tottenham’s new boss.
Laurent Blanc
The current France manager is out of contract at the end of this summer’s Euro 2012 competition. Although Les Blues will be keen to keep Blanc at the Helm, it’ll be hard for him to reject a return to club football especially if he is offered a position at a club as prestigious as Tottenham
Blanc became national team manager two years ago after a successful spell with Bordeaux, and has transformed France into a footballing powerhouse once again.
Reports claim Spurs have already held preliminary discussions with the former Manchester United defender about replacing Redknapp, but nothing has been confirmed.
His experience could prove vital in transforming spurs into future Premier League champions. His current French team had previously experienced a 24 match unbeaten run, unfortunately this came to an end following Tuesday evening’s defeat to Sweden. This run came off the back of an extremely disappointing 2010 World Cup, where the French crashed out of the competition during the group stages. Clearly Laurent Blanc has the ability to change a side for the better.
David Moyes
Even before Redknapp’s departure had been officially announced, Moyes had been linked with the Job at White Hart Lane. But following his announcement that he is yet to be approached, the current Everton manager has fallen into the background slightly.
The Scot could be the perfect fit for a high quality Tottenham side. Over the years he has been widely praised for the work he has conducted at Goodison Park – consistently overachieving on a budget much smaller than most other Premier League sides.
At Spurs money would certainly be available to Moyes, surely this will only enhance his ability as manager of the club. His skilful approach to business in the transfer market would be perfect for the club, Moyes has the ability to spot a bargain and this could prove a useful asset to Tottenham.
After all, their current key players (Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Kyle Walker) were all signed for low prices at a stage when their full potential hadn’t been realised. There’s no denying Redknapp was also a dab-hand when it comes to negotiations, he introduced the likes of Parker and Van Der Vaart to the club. However, I feel Moyes would bring a fresh approach.
On the other hand, the 49-year-old’s footballing Philosophy isn’t commonly associated with the slick passing football seen played by Tottenham – this could count against him in the race to replace Redknapp.
Moyes is often tipped to replace Sir Alex at United once his reign reaches an end. I’d fully expect him to pass off the opportunity to manage in London as he olds off for a once in a life-time role at Old Trafford.
Fabio Capello
After resigning from his post as England head coach, in February, following the FA’s decision to strip Chelsea’s John Terry of the England captaincy, Capello has been linked with a number of vacant positions across Europe.
Recently the Italian has revealed he misses working in football management and would be interested in a Premier League role should the opportunity arise.
Spurs presents a perfect chance for the ex-Real Madrid manager to test himself in English club football. Having won the La Liga with his last club side, he clearly has the experience at this level of management.
As England manager he was often critized for his methods of discipline, but this could be ideal at Tottenham for encouraging the players to play at their full potential.
The 66-year-old already has a house in London and he is thought to be very settled, could this be a sign?
Ralf Rangnick
Schalke were the surprise packages in the 2010/11 Champions League under the stewardship of Rangnick, and he would bring a wealth of experience to White Hart Lane.
The 53-year-old has been out of work since resigning as Schalke boss last year due to exhaustion, and has since turned down approaches from both Norwich and West Brom.
The free-flowing football adopted with Schalke would certainly appeal to Spurs, and Rangnick is reportedly being considered alongside a number of other candidates.
Jurgen Klinsmann
Klinsmann scored 39 goals during two spells with Tottenham, and would prove to be a popular appointment with fans, while his ideals would appear to be similar to those associated with Tottenham.
The 47-year-old does, however, have limited experience of club management, having been in charge of Bayern Munich for less than one season between spells with Germany and the USA.
It is unclear if Levy has made an approach for Klinsmann at this stage, and there are likely to be stronger candidates under consideration from the Spurs chairman.
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