The Solution to Spurs’ managerial merry-go-round
Twenty months after Daniel Levy appointed Mourinho, he is once again on the search for a new manager.
From the rumoured targets, no discernible style or parameter can be established. Managers have varied as much as Conte, Gattuso, Fonseca and ten Haag.
Despite claiming that “we haven’t even spoken to some of the individuals that have…apparently rejected us” the optics for Levy is that he is struggling to find the style, let alone the helmsman, of Spurs’ next project.
And to be fair, it is hard to see where he, and newly appointed General Manager Fabio Patarici, starts. After Mourinho ripped up Pocchetino’s blueprint, it is not unfair to call Tottenham a club without an identity. So, what should Levy be looking for in his next manager?
The Feel Good Stop-Gap — Ryan Mason (Alternatives — Eddie Howe, Scott Parker)
For the Athletic’s Seb Stafford-Bloor, the perfect solution is Ryan Mason — a manager who would “restore the players’ lost confidence and…heal the warring factions in the fanbase”. After Mourinho and the Super League, a priority Spurs’ hierarchy need to repair their relationship with the fanbase.
Mason’s CV is unspectacular, as were his results as interim manager. However, the same could have been said for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has matured into one of the best coaches in the league.
One more year of Mason would allow him to mature, and should see a renewed harmony between the board, squad and the fans.
It is also possible more managers might be available next summer, making 2021–22 a “stop-gap” before a more suitable manager can be lured to North London.
For that reason, he has to be on the shortlist.
Pragmatism, but this time not a fossil — Sean Dyche (Alternatives — Rafa Benitez, Nuno Espiranto Santo)
What do you think of when you think of a Sean Dyche team? Physicality, low blocks and combative press conferences?
You might not think of how effective Burnley are at pressing, and that would be a mistake. A key part of Burnley’s system is pushing out of their low block, and giving their defenders time to breath. This is evidence to suggest Dyche would be able to coach a bigger team effectively.
The reputation of Dyche as a defensive coach may not benefit him in relations with the fanbase or the players, but the job he has done with Burnley is impressive enough to warrant an interview, at the very least.
The Overseas Statement Manager — Ernesto Valverde. (Alternatives — Max Allegri, Lucian Favre)
Ernesto Valverde has struggled to find a job since being relieved of his role as Barcelona manager. After embarrassing Champions League exits to Liverpool and Roma, his reputation has been damaged disproportionately.
This is still a coach who averaged 2.23 points a game at Barca, and won back-to-back league titles against the Real Madrid team who had won three successive Champions Leagues in 2018 and 2019.
His signing would cement Spurs as one of the big six clubs, and might convince Harry Kane to stay. However, there are several problems: a manager of his pedigree would probably warrant a larger budget than Spurs can afford, and why would Valverde be convinced if Conte was not?
My choice — Graham Potter
Spurs’ squad is in a period of transition — arguably it needs a coach who is willing to rebuild the club, alike Brendan Rodgers’ tenure at Liverpool, rather than repeating the mistake Levy made appointing Mourinho in expecting instant success.
We should all know about Potter and Brighton’s xG by now, but if you don’t: his team has consistently underperformed xG offensively and defensively for his entire tenure.
This indicates he has either been the unluckiest coach in history, has broken the stat, or just has very bad finishers. From the eye test, it seems the most likely option is the third.
So just imagine for a second, Potter can maintain that xG but with Kane and Son instead of Maupay and Jahankabash.
Of course, it is not that easy. Spurs would definitely benefit from a leader in defence like Lewis Dunk, a functioning right back like Tariq Lamptey and every PL team admires midfielders like Yves Bissouma.
But it is just important to coach the next set of players, and someone like Potter has integrated Mac Allister and Lamptey into his first team.
A key reason for Conte rejecting Spurs was his refusal to promise game time to academy players. Potter would have no such qualms.
He would need time, but his positive brand of football should appease fans for a season or two of transition.
Unfortunately, the reality is Spurs’ squad is already a few years past it’s peak. Lloris is 34; Alderweireld 32. There are gaps all over the squad.
Spurs fans know this, deep down. Whoever their next manager is will need time, or money.
Since Levy can’t offer the money, a profile like Potter, with emphasis on coaching instead of spending sprees, is perfect.
He is not a marquee, statement signing; but Graham Potter is a sensible one.
On balance, it is easy to see why Levy and Paratici has struggled this summer. There is a dearth of available, top quality managers.
Yet, at the same time, there are several who are far more suited to this project than Mourinho was.
And the longer the wait for his successor goes on, the less likely both pre-season and the summer transfer window are as effective as they need to be for Spurs to return to the top four.
