Next Manager Watch

[RuskyM]

I really don't think Enrique is the right option.

We have to learn what we are.

-We won't outspent our rivals
-wont give the manager who he asks for.
-wont give him a balanced squad
-The chairman will interfere.

So why not get a coach who over performs in difficult circumstances. One that has to sell his best players, gets the best out of who he has rather than demands who he wants. One that is flexible enough to change formation based on who he has at his disposal.

Worth mentioning that unless I’m wrong this is basically what Enrique did with Spain: subverted the big names and picked younger lads. Went out on penalties twice, so not a huge embarrassment.

 

[YB123]

Worth mentioning that unless I’m wrong this is basically what Enrique did with Spain: subverted the big names and picked younger lads. Went out on penalties twice, so not a huge embarrassment.

They battered Italy for most of first one aswell. Just couldn't finish (Morata etc)

The morocco performance did worry me. Looked toothless against a low block.

 

[Hotspur33]

I saw it mentioned in here somewhere, about us doing what Arsenal have done and getting a Spurs ex player as DOF to work with a Spurs theory Manager.

The only manager that would fall under that, currently, is Poch. And he doesn’t even like DOF’s by some accounts.

But it got me thinking about potential ex players that could do the DOF side. And, there really is a lack of options. In fact, I’m pushed to find one, other than Klinsmann, but his specialities lie elsewhere within the football system. We really haven’t got anyone, until Modric retires and sources us all the best players in the world.

Other possibilities:
King - nope
Carrick - potential for manager
Berbatov - not interested
Keane - nope
Jenas - nope
Daws - nope
Davids - no idea
Krancjar - no idea, but his dad was a manager

They’re the more recent ones, if you go back further, it gets even worse.

Sheringham
Ginola
Ferdinand
Anderton

Gazza

Makes you(me) wonder why we haven’t had a lot of success, when it appears (from that list alone) that we haven’t ever really had any kind of serious football leadership on the pitch. That may be harsh, but to me, it kind of tells a story.

The problem is, we don’t really know any of the players personally to know if they would be any good. But it’s an interesting point, if a DOF is supposed to be so instrumental in the football side of things, surely an ex player would be a logical place to start.

but if we are playing the random name game, I’ll offer you Teemi Taino

 

[Albertbarich]

Worth mentioning that unless I’m wrong this is basically what Enrique did with Spain: subverted the big names and picked younger lads. Went out on penalties twice, so not a huge embarrassment.

Yeah he is clearly good , I'm not disputing that but so is Conte and Mourinho.

Picking Gabi is a bit different to having to get buy with Joe rodon or Davidson Sanchez as a centre back if that's makes sense? The choices for Spain were obvious to make, I'm not sure they are here.

 

[Ginola+Tonic]

I really don’t want us appointing Luis Enrique (or any other manager) just because we think it’ll convince Kane to sign a new deal, I absolutely adore Kane but we need to be looking further than that and build a solid foundation with a long term plan.
We tried all this win now, convince Kane stuff with Mourinho and Conte.

Let’s pick the best manager now for Tottenham Hotspur, not the best manager for Harry Kane.

 

[Russ1201]

Bloke had just won 5 trophies with Sevilla in two years including back-to-back UEFA Cups; stock had never been higher.

Ok didnt' realise that fair enough

 

[cookiemonster]

Marco Silva

I give up

 

[jpascavitz]

I really don't think Enrique is the right option.

We have to learn what we are.

-We won't outspent our rivals
-wont give the manager who he asks for.
-wont give him a balanced squad
-The chairman will interfere.

So why not get a coach who over performs in difficult circumstances. One that has to sell his best players, gets the best out of who he has rather than demands who he wants. One that is flexible enough to change formation based on who he has at his disposal.

We have tried the big name manager route and to be honest by and large it's been miserable. So unless someone knows something that I don't about Levy going and or ENIC selling it seems pointless to me convincing ourselves were some sort of super club ready to go because the way we operate the football side of our business is anything but super club.

I've been saying this about the club's direction in general. Either decide to back a manager like Conte/Jose/Proven Winner and get them exactly the players they want or will accept and probably spend more than most rivals (to get us to their levels of squad depth).

Or decide to be the best version of a Brighton or BVB type club. You invest in the best young talent around the world and yes you might sell off your best players from time to time, but you trust your system, coach, and it encourages attacking exciting play.

I personally don't care which route to go, as long as I felt everyone was on the same page. Also, I don't know enough about Enrique, if he wants to take a stab knowing those potential restrictions, then go for it. Although if he is expecting otherwise, then I agree with others that it's probably set up for disaster.

 

[superspurs101]

My opinion it’s got to be Marcelo Gallardo, really hope they go for him. I also think he will suit levy too. Will work well with youth team doesn’t really need lots of money will be happy with the amounts we pay for players now which will definitely suit levy. Looks to improve players and most importantly he plays attacking and attractive football! Which we all want and need

 

[Viking78]

I really don't think Enrique is the right option.

We have to learn what we are.

-We won't outspent our rivals
-wont give the manager who he asks for.
-wont give him a balanced squad
-The chairman will interfere.

So why not get a coach who over performs in difficult circumstances. One that has to sell his best players, gets the best out of who he has rather than demands who he wants. One that is flexible enough to change formation based on who he has at his disposal.

We have tried the big name manager route and to be honest by and large it's been miserable. So unless someone knows something that I don't about Levy going and or ENIC selling it seems pointless to me convincing ourselves were some sort of super club ready to go because the way we operate the football side of our business is anything but super club.

Enrique did well at Celta Vigo prior to getting Barca job. Took a team that avoided relegation on last day of season, before he took over, to 8th position. I don't think he spent loads and promoted youth players.

 

[TPdYID]

Marco Silva

I give up

You're everywhere and nowhere, LEVY
That's where you're at
Going down a bumpy hillside
YOU DAFT BALD TW@T
Flying across the country
And getting fat
Saying everything is groovy
When your tyres are flat
And it's hi, ho MARCO SILVA
And away you go now CONTE
I DON'T see your sun shining
But I won't make a fuss
Though it's DISASTROUS

Disclaimer: Poetic licence has been applied to some of the lyrics in this song.

 

[Ghost Hardware]

The former Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique would be open to holding talks with Tottenham Hotspur if the club part ways with Antonio Conte.

Luis Enrique has been out of work since December, when his departure as the head coach of Spain was announced after their loss on penalties to Morocco in the World Cup’s round of 16. He is interested in a move to the Premier League and would make a swift return to club management if he believed the right job was available.

Tottenham have been preparing for life after Conte, with all parties now expecting the Italian to move on. Conte’s contract expires in the summer and while there is an option to extend it by another year, there is little appetite from either side to do so.

Luis Enrique is a favoured option for Tottenham’s managing director of football, Fabio Paratici, and would tick many of the boxes Daniel Levy, the club’s chairman, is looking for, including a commitment to attacking football and a record for promoting youth. There is also a belief that Luis Enrique could have enough pedigree and personality to convince Harry Kane to sign a new deal, with Spurs still optimistic the striker will stay.

Luis Enrique played for Barcelona from 1996 to 2004, and took charge of them as coach in 2014. He led Barcelona to consecutive La Liga titles and oversaw them winning the Champions League as part of an incredible treble in 2015, with Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Neymar scoring 122 goals between them. While in charge of Spain, Luis Enrique consistently showed his faith in youth. Gavi and Pedri both shone during his tenure while the likes of Sergio Ramos, the 36-year-old defender, were pushed to the side.

Levy will oversee the appointment of Conte’s successor and could be convinced of Luis Enrique’s appeal. Paratici’s scouting ability is highly respected, even if his future is uncertain, with the club expecting to hear the result of his appeal against a 30-month suspension in the next few weeks. Paratici has been banned by the Italian football federation for his part in the latest financial scandal at Juventus.

Conte’s situation was perilous after Tottenham limped out of the Champions League at the hands of AC Milan last week, after which he admitted that he could be sacked before the end of the season. But a comfortable victory over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday, combined with Manchester United and Liverpool both dropping points, has offered reassurance that even a wounded Spurs, under a weary Conte, can finish in the top four.

The win has given the club more time to consider their options before making an approach. The return of Mauricio Pochettino, who was in charge for over five years and guided Tottenham to the Champions League final, remains a tantalising possibility that would instantly unite the club and fans. Pochettino is believed to be keen, but there is nervousness inside the club about going back to the Argentinian.

Tottenham are keen to tread carefully while Conte is eager not to sour relations with the club before he leaves, not least because he feels hugely grateful for the way they supported him during what has been an extremely difficult few months. Three of Conte’s close friends died, before an operation to remove his gallbladder in February required the 53-year-old to return to Italy for a month.

Conte would like to return to Italy permanently to be closer to his family and there will be no shortage of options in the summer, with his stock as high as ever back in his home country. Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Roma could all be looking for a new manager at the end of the season.

Maybe because he’s probably the biggest available name bar Tuchel, who I don’t see as a target, but i really get the feeling that it will be Enrique. Unless it ends up being Poch although I think he ends up at Madrid. Idk, I’m not completely against Enrique but I’m not altogether convinced ether. I still feel Gallardo is by far the best fit for our club out of all the options.

 

[joshua_snodgras]

My opinion it’s got to be Marcelo Gallardo, really hope they go for him. I also think he will suit levy too. Will work well with youth team doesn’t really need lots of money will be happy with the amounts we pay for players now which will definitely suit levy. Looks to improve players and most importantly he plays attacking and attractive football! Which we all want and need

I rekon Gallardo would prefer Spain or Italy first due to language and temperament, somewhere to cut his teeth in europe perhaps, Spurs would seem like a big risk imo as thats a big transition to hit the ground running.

 

[superspurs101]

I rekon Gallardo would prefer Spain or Italy first due to language and temperament, somewhere to cut his teeth in europe perhaps, Spurs would seem like a big risk imo as thats a big transition to hit the ground running.

Yeah I can see why you would think that but I already think he’s been under massive pressure at river plate with the way there fans are etc. also it would have to be another start of a project so fans would have to understand if we have a average 1st season under him. Just my opinion but if we don’t get him now I think it would turn out to be a massive regret of are later on down the line

 

[Ossie85]

I rekon Gallardo would prefer Spain or Italy first due to language and temperament, somewhere to cut his teeth in europe perhaps, Spurs would seem like a big risk imo as thats a big transition to hit the ground running.

I believe his style of play is better suited to the PL than Spain. And it wouldn't suit Italy at all imo

He relies in the same things as Bielsa and Pochettino. High pressing, fast ball movement and full backs providing width. But he's much more tactically flexible than those 2, and he doesn't have a preferred formation. He has some general idea about how he wants to play, but then he tries to adapt to the players he has. He wouldn't force a back 3 if he didn't have the proper players. He has also started very defensive formations in some cup games, where away goals were very important

Another thing worth mentioning is that he has a better track record in elimination matches than on league matches. I don't really know why, maybe motivation. But he only won 1 league with River. He was close several other times, but playing 3 important tournaments at the same time made it impossible.

Thinking about our team and how could he work with our current roster, I see 2 upfront, no wingers. Center mid with one defensive and another box to box. Wide mid with Kulusevski on the right, and a new signing on the left (something like Grealish or Maddison). Porro as RB, Udogie (or new signing) as LB. Romero and new signing as CB.
We would also need a new top keeper. I saw links here that we are after Emiliano Martinez (LINK / tweet in english - The journalist is very close to the national team players- Ally Gold also confirmed interest here)

 

[Ghost Hardware]

Yeah I can see why you would think that but I already think he’s been under massive pressure at river plate with the way there fans are etc. also it would have to be another start of a project so fans would have to understand if we have a average 1st season under him. Just my opinion but if we don’t get him now I think it would turn out to be a massive regret of are later on down the line

Aside from the tactical aspect (which has been well covered) a big plus point for me with him is that he has experience of being a project manager. At River he has built and rebuilt that team several times, often relying on youth. None of the other managers we have been linked with have really done that expect for Poch. Enrique, who I feel like is probably most likely at this point, has only lasted 3 years at one team and I don't think one can really say what he did there was in any way suggestive of him being able to be a project manager. His 3rd season there was decidedly unremarkable and he looked like he had completely ran out of ideas. I think that now is the point were we need to look for a manager + DoF to start a new project as Levy just doesn't have the mindset for a short term win now manager.

 

[bceej]

I really don't think Enrique is the right option.

We have to learn what we are.

-We won't outspent our rivals
-wont give the manager who he asks for.
-wont give him a balanced squad
-The chairman will interfere.

So why not get a coach who over performs in difficult circumstances. One that has to sell his best players, gets the best out of who he has rather than demands who he wants. One that is flexible enough to change formation based on who he has at his disposal.

We have tried the big name manager route and to be honest by and large it's been miserable. So unless someone knows something that I don't about Levy going and or ENIC selling it seems pointless to me convincing ourselves were some sort of super club ready to go because the way we operate the football side of our business is anything but super club.

If you look at Enrique’s squad at Barcelona the only marquee signing really is Luis Suarez. Obviously they had a number of the Barca golden generation which should not be overlooked. And Neymar from the year before he joined. A lot of players that were brought in were La Masia graduates from elsewhere and up and coming players. I’d argue Paratici is in tune with Barcelona as an institution - we are repeatedly linked with young unfinished gems under Paratici, all of whom are technical and playing at a high level. They also had a transfer embargo during his tenure.

He’s not my number one choice but he’s easily one of the best linked options. Would be a commitment to a more vertical style of attacking football, we would integrate more youth and hopefully target more technical players. I know that a lot of here, including myself, have been crying out for these kind of players.

 

[AtoubaToothpaste]

I really don't think Enrique is the right option.

We have to learn what we are.

-We won't outspent our rivals
-wont give the manager who he asks for.
-wont give him a balanced squad
-The chairman will interfere.

So why not get a coach who over performs in difficult circumstances. One that has to sell his best players, gets the best out of who he has rather than demands who he wants. One that is flexible enough to change formation based on who he has at his disposal.

We have tried the big name manager route and to be honest by and large it's been miserable. So unless someone knows something that I don't about Levy going and or ENIC selling it seems pointless to me convincing ourselves were some sort of super club ready to go because the way we operate the football side of our business is anything but super club.

Excellent post, this.

I think, in some ways, Levy's ego distorts the decision-making process when it comes to managerial choices. We saw that most pointedly with the hiring of his One True Love, Jose Mourinho. When he got Fab, his eyes got moist again at the thought of hiring the great serial-winner, Antonio Conte. All the while forgetting what we are, who we are, and what strategy would best facilitate that.

I'd argue that even the hiring of Fab was a mistake. IMHO, a DoF should reflect the qualities, history, and style of the club as much as the managers; after all, they are the ones tasked with the overall vision and hiring of the coach, not to mention the recruitment of players. Fab, for all his qualities, isn't a right fit for us. One only has to look at his preferred coaches to see that. If he survives his appeal and stays on, then I assume it will be up to him to recommend the next boss. Given his choices thus far, I can't see the next guy being a good fit.

If we're sticking with Fab as DoF, then we need someone willing to play 3atb. If he goes with someone like Enrique, then we're right back to square one of needing a massive squad rebuild to buy the technical players he requires. I can't see players like Son, PEH, Bissouma, Emerson (and many others) thriving in a highly technical, slow, tika-taka, possession-based style. They don't have the attributes for it, IMHO.

 

[For the love of Spurs]

I really don't think Enrique is the right option.

We have to learn what we are.

-We won't outspent our rivals
-wont give the manager who he asks for.
-wont give him a balanced squad
-The chairman will interfere.

So why not get a coach who over performs in difficult circumstances. One that has to sell his best players, gets the best out of who he has rather than demands who he wants. One that is flexible enough to change formation based on who he has at his disposal.

We have tried the big name manager route and to be honest by and large it's been miserable. So unless someone knows something that I don't about Levy going and or ENIC selling it seems pointless to me convincing ourselves were some sort of super club ready to go because the way we operate the football side of our business is anything but super club.

manager has to suit the club, that club being us which isn’t easy.

 

[PrettyColors]

I believe his style of play is better suited to the PL than Spain. And it wouldn't suit Italy at all imo

He relies in the same things as Bielsa and Pochettino. High pressing, fast ball movement and full backs providing width. But he's much more tactically flexible than those 2, and he doesn't have a preferred formation. He has some general idea about how he wants to play, but then he tries to adapt to the players he has. He wouldn't force a back 3 if he didn't have the proper players. He has also started very defensive formations in some cup games, where away goals were very important

Another thing worth mentioning is that he has a better track record in elimination matches than on league matches. I don't really know why, maybe motivation. But he only won 1 league with River. He was close several other times, but playing 3 important tournaments at the same time made it impossible.

Thinking about our team and how could he work with our current roster, I see 2 upfront, no wingers. Center mid with one defensive and another box to box. Wide mid with Kulusevski on the right, and a new signing on the left (something like Grealish or Maddison). Porro as RB, Udogie (or new signing) as LB. Romero and new signing as CB.
We would also need a new top keeper. I saw links here that we are after Emiliano Martinez (LINK / tweet in english - The journalist is very close to the national team players- Ally Gold also confirmed interest here)

This is an excellent post - Gallardo is beloved in River Plate and Argentina without a doubt, but this did a great job uncovering the specific fit with Spurs.

Unfortunately mate after @Romario I’m inclined to think any native perspective from another country is actually a liar on the wind-up who has a flat in Cheltenham. Sorry, nothing personal