Spurs fans thoughts?
A majority good thoughts, but a couple of questions as well. For me, it was FdB all the way, but I'm certainly not too bummed.
Firstly, the "style" of football he promotes is much better. It was plain to see that South hampton were playing great, fast, attacking football. In comparison to AVB, who had tottenham holding possession, passing sideways, and waiting for gaps to open. At under 1 goal per game avg. Tim Sherwood's Tottenham scored more, but it still felt stifled sometimes and, to be honest, were fragile. It was the "Just run about lads, and hopefully outscore 'em". So to have a manager who seems to have a particular ethos and plan, with premiere league experience, is exciting.
I am also excited by the prospect of him working with the younger players. From all reports he seems to have a real knack for nurturing up-and-comers and bringing through academy players. Being Argentinian, he will (hopefully) be able to connect with Lamela (remember that guy?), which could be key for him to have a standout season. The idea of Eriksen, Lamela and Chadli (or a new winger) being coached by a manager who works well with youngsters and loves free flowing attacking football is mouth watering. All 3 are pretty much interchangeable across the front 3 midfield positions, which ties in with how southhampton were playing.
My questions pertain more to his ability to cope with the pressure of a top 6 club. It's easy to stand in good light when your team (south hampton) are, in the view of the public, over-performing. But unfortunately, the fickleness of this whole EPL business, means that if he is seen to be under-performing (tottenham), people are there immediately to call you out. Fans, media, players.
The media is a big one. Apparently it is in his contract that he will have to speak english with the press, which will inevitably lead to his use of english being misconstrued. There will be rancid and insidious mis-quotes galore if the situation at spurs is anything less than ideal by Christmas 2014.
I also think that south hampton had a great squad, with a couple of players having breakout seasons. They would have had 4 englishmen at the WC if it weren't for Rodriguez' injury. I fear that, whilst Tottenham have a great squad also, that we wont be nearly as sharp as they were.
But, all-in-all I'm happy and excited about next season. But, fuck... I say that every pre-season.
Topic: football anyone? as in soccer... (Read 464622 times)