In the run-up to Tottenham Hotspur’s latest Premier League game, fans turned up. As the team bus made its way through the N17 roads, there was a festive atmosphere (albeit a little tense) as the big competition was about to begin.
But Spurs were indifferent to Nottingham Forest, who won 3-0 and leapfrogged their rivals. West Ham United’s defeat at Aston Villa softened the blow, but the fact remains that the pull of the ax is getting tighter and tighter.
When the full-time whistle blew and the boos rang out at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it was clear that Igor Tudor’s position was no longer acceptable, even if the ENIC Group will make another change with just two months left in the season.
The latest on the future of Tudor’s Spurs
Tudor was unable to carry out his post-match duties due to a family emergency, but it is clear that the interim Tottenham boss would have admitted that his clothes are in serious trouble, had he spoken to the media.
He has only been in action for over a month, but the Croatian is not getting the best of these players, and a change is needed.
Mauricio Pochettino remains at the top of the wish list, with Spurs insider John Wenham even saying “”he’d be there if we were in the Championship”.
However, with the USMNT boss preparing for the World Cup in North America this summer, it is highly unlikely that he will return to north London for the rest of the campaign.
Therefore, TEAMtalk have revealed that Ferencvaros boss Robbie Keane could be the savior Spurs are looking for, with Tudor unlikely to remain in charge if a trip to Sunderland is required after the international break.
Keane, a former Spurs forward, has expressed his willingness to take on the job and guide the N17 side to safety, and with his Hungarian outfit now out of the Europa League, the path seems clear.
The talks are said to have been held a few weeks ago so there is said to be direct communication between all parties.
Why Keane would be better for Tudor
Keane, 44, is only at the start of his managerial career, but has already established himself as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches after working with Maccabi Tel Aviv and now Ferencvaros.
His forward taste and high energy would suit the way Tottenham want to play, but the plain truth is that Spurs just need to find a manager who will scare away relegation.
Tudor’s three-man backline and questionable training methods proved an interesting combination for this vulnerable Spurs side, which did not respond to his ways, with a breather against Liverpool now it looks like he is going out alone in terms of performance.
In short, Tottenham have been disorganized in attack and lacked confidence in defence. There are too many issues to list, and someone who can bring back the identity and culture around this side of the Lilywhites can prove a hero in the next few weeks.
|
Lowest xG values in the Premier League (25/26) |
||
|---|---|---|
|
The team |
Goals Scored |
xG |
|
(16) |
Nott’m Forest |
37.42 |
|
(17) |
Tottenham |
36.98 |
|
(18) |
Sunderland |
33.41 |
|
(19) |
Wolves |
30.93 |
|
(20) |
Burnley |
29.72 |
Expected Goals (xG) is a metric designed to measure the chance of a shot leading to a goal.
Keane understands that Making Courage and the hope would be that he will boost the players who have lost. After all, the former Republic of Ireland striker has been hailed as a “legend” by former team-mate Teddy Sheringham.
Sadly we have reached a point where tactical analysis can almost be thrown out the window. An increase in confidence can be more important than intensive training at this stage.
Keane, who is already enjoying his prime as a tactician, understands Tottenham and can provide the boost they desperately need to escape this nightmare that threatens to engulf them.
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