It’s fairly feasible that, by the end of the season, we’ve all forgotten what Jason Cundy looks like. That we all actually believe a lopsided Ange Postecoglou now takes his place in the talkSPORT studio, goading Jamie O’Hara with every passing week and every passing Tottenham Hotspur defeat.
The Lilywhites have now lost three of their opening five games, drawing the other two, and have been left scratching their heads wondering just where their £300m+ investment went.
It just about sums things up that the one silver lining is the return of the goals, which came in the late stages to spare some blushes against Villa and leave them with a 3-2 victory. Something has to change. The question is whether it is the manager who must leave.
De Zerbi is already running out of time at Tottenham
Whilst Roberto De Zerbi is busy going back and forth in a game of public digs with Richarlison, his side are continuing to struggle.
The truth is that they could use with some of the Brazilian’s grit right now rather than watching on as he reacts to every disappointing moment in De Zerbi’s reign.
The goals aren’t the only problem, either. It’s worth remembering that Spurs also spent big to revamp their entire backline in the summer. Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Tosin Adarabioyo all arrived, whilst Micky van de Ven also stayed put. Yet, somehow, the leak remains.
Van Hecke was the biggest concern against Villa. He won just 3/8 duels on Saturday afternoon. Robertson, meanwhile, was at fault for Johan Manzambi’s opener, and Nicolas Jackson spun Van de Ven for the visitors’ second when Van Hecke also failed to step out. It was shambolic all round.
De Zerbi’s system is designed to bring risk, but that risk is supposed to bring rewards. The only reward that he may be getting is his P45 and a large payout if things continue, however.
To say that Spurs have some excellent options to turn to would be some understatement, too.
How Tottenham could replace De Zerbi
If Spurs are looking to reignite their attacking spark, then the man for the job is Julian Nagelsmann.
The young manager will be the first to admit that the World Cup did not go as planned with Germany, as they crashed out in shock fashion against Paraguay in the last 32, but that should not take away from his credentials.
At 39 years old, the German has already taken charge of Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Germany – winning the Bundesliga along the way. He is known for his attacking football and intensity, as is often the German way in an attempt to follow in the footsteps of Jurgen Klopp.
The Express recently named Nagelsmann as a manager who could replace De Zerbi if the Italian faces the sack in north London. If that did happen, then Spurs would have a huge upgrade.
|
Nagelsmann Career |
Bayern Munich |
RB Leipzig |
Germany |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Matches |
84 |
95 |
37 |
|
Wins |
60 |
54 |
23 |
|
Draws |
14 |
22 |
6 |
|
Defeat |
10 |
19 |
8 |
|
Goals scored |
255 |
193 |
90 |
|
Goals conceded |
84 |
108 |
43 |
The numbers speak for themselves. Nagelsmann’s sides score goals. By comparison, De Zerbi’s sides have struggled to find the same balance.
Whilst the Italian’s Marseille side netted 160 goals in 69 games, they only won 39 of those 69 games and lost 22. At Brighton, meanwhile, De Zerbi’s team netted 161 goals but also conceded 139. Again, there was no balance.
The issue now for the manager is that neither end of his system is working. There are no goals, and there is rarely a clean sheet. Perhaps in an attempt to find that balance he previously lacked, De Zerbi has nullified his side completely.
Nagelsmann would not have the same problem, and in a high-pressing system, the likes of Omar Marmoush would thrive. Dubbed the “best young coach in Europe” by reporter Josh Bunting, the manager is one to watch if the Spurs job becomes available.