Pochettino Sacked by Spurs; Replaced by Jose Mourinho

[Panna King]

1 minute ago, Storts said:

Na, if there's one thing he has it's loyalty and integrity, he's said it on multiple occasions unprompted, not a chance he would take over at Arsenal. 

Would be funny though if Arsenal did move for him as we both kind of try to play the same way so he would suit the club.  

[Storts]

1 minute ago, Panna King said:

Would be funny though if Arsenal did move for him as we both kind of try to play the same way so he would suit the club.  

He'd be great for Arsenal - couldn't think of a better manager for that squad. 

[Panna King]

Just hearing now that Mourinho has been agreed and will be the coach tomorrow at a 2pm press conference.    Good luck Spurs 

[RandoEFC+]

Sad day for Spurs, but there's something gone rotten at the club and the manager is the first thing that changes usually. They haven't looked like the team Poch built over the last few years so far this season.

Mourinho to Spurs seems like an odd fit, but I would like to see him back in the league from a neutral perspective. I'm no great fan of Mourinho but some of the rewriting of history from some people on his managerial ability has me wanting to see a mini redemption arc from him just for a laugh.

[God is Haaland]

He's a great manager. I can't imagine they have decent replacement for him.

[Dave]

2 hours ago, Lucas said:

Cant believe this crap recycled Leeds joke got seven likes in the premier league section in 2019 stick to watching Stuart Dallas trying to trap a ball.

[LFCMadLad]

1 hour ago, Rick said:

It’s not the replacements that make this stupid (Mourinho is a great manager, and proven winner despite your dislike for his football. Ancellotti is an elite manager and proven winner also, who actually plays good football as well) it’s the simple fact that Potch has been sacked. Shoddy and very very ungrateful from Levy. 
 

That being said, Nagelsmann is a very promising manager. 

Despite winning trophies, Mourinho has been sacked by every top flight club hes ever managed. That is because he makes everything about him, he eventually loses the dressing room, he falls out with the press, he falls out with his bosses and by the end of it all, everyone hates the club hes managing. 

If that's what Spurs want then great. I think they are making a massive mistake though. 

If you think that is a sign of a great manager then good for you. I dont. 

Ancelotti fair enough. Hes good enough to adapt  Mourinho though... nah. Hes past his best imo and only leaves nothing but carnage wherever he goes.

[Dave]

1 hour ago, Panna King said:

I have heard from a source that Spurs are in talks with the Leipzig coach, Julian Nagelsmann he is only 32.  

Same source that told you Frank DeBoer fell out with Crystal Palace players  because he couldn't teach Andors Townsend how to shoot? How did that work out for @Happy Blue? 

[LFCMadLad]

1 hour ago, Panna King said:

I have heard from a source that Spurs are in talks with the Leipzig coach, Julian Nagelsmann he is only 32.  

Upgrade on Poch. Nah...

This all makes no sense at all from Spurs prospective. 

Surely something has happened behind the scenes for Levi to pull the trigger? 

[Storts]

5 minutes ago, LFCMadLad said:

Upgrade on Poch. Nah...

This all makes no sense at all from Spurs prospective. 

Surely something has happened behind the scenes for Levi to pull the trigger? 

I think the players will have had a big say in it - as I said earlier, not just the ones that are running their contract down, but the important ones to our future. 

[Panna King]

28 minutes ago, The Palace Fan said:

Same source that told you Frank DeBoer fell out with Crystal Palace players  because he couldn't teach Andors Townsend how to shoot? How did that work out for @Happy Blue? 

Haha I didnt say that, I said de Boer wanted to change too many things, it was too benefit the attackers, it might of worked in the long run for Benteke 

[Panna King]

18 minutes ago, LFCMadLad said:

Upgrade on Poch. Nah...

This all makes no sense at all from Spurs prospective. 

Surely something has happened behind the scenes for Levi to pull the trigger? 

There has been in Issue with Spurs, not with their champions league form but the league form, they lost a 1/3 of their games last season and it is has just got worse this season, I think there is some kind of break down which has gone on with the players and coach.  This must of really been a serious factor as Poch only had signed a new contract last season, Levy is not the kind of Chairman to throw good money away on paying off managers with long contracts.    

[Panna King]

This was a sack race for the appointment of Mourinho and Spurs have buckled first before Arsenal and Everton.

[Dr. Gonzo]

Does Levy own Spurs or is he just the chairman?

If he doesn't own the club... I think after 2 years if Spurs still haven't won anything, serious questions need to be asked about him and whether he's the right man to help Spurs turn the corner. Especially after this decision.

[Storts]

I want to write something, it may not be eloquent, it may not mean anything to anybody but me, or to Spurs fans, but I feel like I owe it to Pochettino as stupid as that may sound. We are all on this forum because we love football - and for the vast majority because we love our clubs. The reasons as to why are varied, as is almost certainly the strength to which we love them, but for all of us there will be reasons and moments that resonate as to why - and Pochettino's tenure has given me so many reasons to love my football club.

A lot of the below is probably going to sound trivial to many - it may be sneered at - it may be dismissed as minor or small time - but honestly at this moment I don't think any of that matters. Regardless of our failure to win a trophy under his leadership, something he and I regret no doubt in equal measure, and for reasons in my belief that are far beyond his control, what he has given us over this time is exactly what he said he would on the day he joined. He said he'd do everything in his power to make us proud of this football club again - and I can tell you Mauricio that is exactly what you did.

I think, without starting the usual internet arguments, that going home and away following your club means that you get a stronger connection to the club and what is going on. I certainly felt that with Pochettino - he was universally loved across the fanbase. He gave us reason to hope and to dream - and to believe in what he was doing and the players that were absolutely besotted with him for several years.

I don't really know where to begin with this - it's just a collection of rambling thoughts currently - and I have no doubts that I am going to forget certain things over the last five years that have really made today such a painful one, but we cannot forget the special moments we've had with him. Lets not pretend things have been going well in 2019. Most defeats in a calendar year for us since Juande Ramos and 2009. Abysmal away form. No clear plan or way to get out of the slump. Playing players that did not want to be there or fight for him. Things were not right. But that's not to say that he didn't deserve the opportunity to rebuild as he did once before. Tear things down and start again. He deserved that opportunity. It still needs to happen - just now it's going to be somebody different. The same problems exist, just we don't know what we are getting ourselves into. The joke is, he is paying the price for the chairman standing still - for the lack of progression and signings. We had the perfect opportunity to kick on and keep improving but he refused to put the money in. The blame lies solely at this feet.

I think what must be added right now - is how unbelievably well Pochettino has actually done - turning this club into a regular Champions League participant, a finalist, and put us back on the map domestically and in Europe. He's a victim of his own success. He's consistently helped us punch above our weight. With a wage bill and transfer budget so far below the other top 5 clubs in this league. We played two years away from home - and I don't think I can explain how difficult that must have been. It was toxic at Wembley, people were voting with their feet, and to get the players up for it and enable us to get into the top 4 again last year was some achievement. 

He took us up a few levels. He changed the mentality at the club. He made us a feared opponent, aggressive and well organised, defensively sound whilst exciting going forward. He built us a foundation that we pushed and turned into the most glorious football of my lifetime. That final season at White Hart Lane was breathtaking. Just a shame we couldn't mark it with silverware. 

I think Dele said it best on Twitter tonight - ”I can’t thank this man enough. He’s taught me so much and I’m so grateful for everything he’s done for me. Good luck and hope to see you again my friend.” - every single one of those players owes him so much for the improvement they've made as footballers over the last few years. He's given them opportunities to prove themselves at the top level. 

This from Melissa Reddy also "Mauricio Pochettino made exceeding expectations the norm at Tottenham under several restrictions at a time when their rivals have never been so well resourced or relentless. He changed how we viewed Spurs. A transformation greater than trophies by a certified elite manager" - some people will sneer at that - but it's a perfectly accurately representation of how far we've come

But things have definitely got worse. He had young players willing to learn and listen to his ideas. Willing to press and give their all for the club. Whether it's simply a fitness and age thing, or just a lack of application, our pressing game has gone. We’ve regressed since finishing second to Chelsea. We’ve got fewer points, conceded more goals and scored fewer as each season passed. The players may have got complacent and believed their own hype - and Pochettino struggled to re-energise them. That's why standing still and not adding to the squad matters so much.

But I don't want to write about that - I just want to go down memory lane - to remember why these past five years have been special.

He came in - and the squad was a mess - the team was full of mercenaries. It started incredibly, Eric Dier last minute winner at West Ham - but then we struggled. It was clear that Kaboul, Adebayor etc. had to go. It was time to bring through the young players that wanted to play for the club. That it meant something to. So the revolution begun. Harry Kane off the bench at Aston Villa with a late deflected free kick winner. That kick started it all. To Ryan Mason, Andros Townsend, Kane. Players that helped turn us around, that bought into Pochettino's methods and the sense of pride he wanted to establish.

The 'battle of the bridge' - albeit drawing on a night that saw Leicester crowned us champions - but it was a night that established a new Tottenham team. One that had a backbone, that wouldn't be walked all over. The passion on display that night fighting for the shirt. You don't forget that.

He retired St Totteringham's day. He took us back to being the best team in North London. After the disaster of the 5-1 defeat at Newcastle he came back and played the most remarkable season of football I've seen us play. I think it's three seasons in a row now we've finished above them, and considering that hadn't happened since I was 3 - it's something that cannot be understated. 

The win at the Bridge on Easter Sunday. Finally - for the first time since 1989. We didn't fear going to these grounds anymore.

The Finale at the Lane - the win against Manchester United and the send off to the finest stadium in the Land. Magical. 

Thrashing European Champions Real Madrid at Wembley.

The emotions of City away, VAR, knocking out the PL Champions. Followed up the emotions of Ajax - nothing will top that. The passion from a manager I've heard was in pieces at his sacking today - he got it. He understood what it was to be Tottenham. He understand what it is to really connect with a football club. To throw yourself into the job and feel what the supporters feel. Those images of him celebrating on the pitch epitomised his management of the club. No doubt he's been hurting with how 2019 has gone. 

The climax in Madrid - what could have been the perfect end to the fairytale I've felt we've been on under Poch. But it wasn't to be. But those memories from that run can never be taken away from us. The celebrations etched into our minds. 

As it's 1:20 I'll leave it there - it probably means nothing to anyone else, but I just wanted to put down in writing how I am feeling now. Ridiculous that football gets you so emotional, but I'm sad, angry, but thankful this tenure has happened. Thankful that we've had this warm, engaging, positive manager in charge of this great football club. Fit to follow in the footsteps of Bill Nicholson. Thankful that he was the man to lead us into a new era with the new stadium. A different standing for the club - and different level.

And whilst to me it has ended prematurely, through a board that hasn't backed him, and seemingly a loss of willpower and strength to turn things around - it's been an incredible five years and if the next appointment is indeed confirmed as Mourinho, he has massive shoes to fill. He's going to struggle to connect with a fanbase as our special Argentine did. Thank you Mauricio, for everything, for giving me my best moments supporting this club. Best of luck for the future. I really wish him all the success in the world.

He's magic, you know. 

 

 

[Storts]

Just now, Dr. Gonzo said:

Does Levy own Spurs or is he just the chairman?

If he doesn't own the club... I think after 2 years if Spurs still haven't won anything, serious questions need to be asked about him and whether he's the right man to help Spurs turn the corner. Especially after this decision.

Kind of. Enic own the club, Joe Lewis is the majority shareholder but has nothing to do with the football club. Levy owns a significant share in Enic. They need to go.

[Dr. Gonzo]

2 minutes ago, Storts said:

I want to write something, it may not be eloquent

It was eloquent - that was a really good post mate

I imagine you must feel similar to how I felt when Rafa left us - but even then... it wasn't in the middle of the season, and it wasn't after the press had done a good job dividing the fanbase around Poch - because like you say, I've not talked to a Spurs fan that didn't absolutely love Poch. Which probably makes it all the more painful.

[Storts]

2 minutes ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

It was eloquent - that was a really good post mate

I imagine you must feel similar to how I felt when Rafa left us - but even then... it wasn't in the middle of the season, and it wasn't after the press had done a good job dividing the fanbase around Poch - because like you say, I've not talked to a Spurs fan that didn't absolutely love Poch. Which probably makes it all the more painful.

Definitely - that's the really painful thing. I mean after the run of form it's understandable he's had people questioning him, calls for a 'winner' etc. but now it's happened, I haven't seen a single person happy about it. He means something to us, I think the Rafa example is great, that maybe from the outside people won't quite understand, but will certainly not be forgotten. Going to be a hard act to follow. And think the board and the chairman are completely out of favour. No more benefit of the doubt from the happy clappers talking about infrastructure etc and where we've come from. He needs to make it work or there will be trouble. 

[Cicero]

Reports Mourinho and Spurs have reached an agreement 

[Machado]

Portuguese newspaper is kind of making it official. Is it?

[Storts]

1 minute ago, Machado said:

Portuguese newspaper is kind of making it official. Is it?

Will be in the morning 

[Machado]

Just now, Storts said:

Will be in the morning 

What do you think of it? I imagine this is splitting your support. Some must be fuming while others can't believe you've pulled this off.

[Teso dos Bichos]

 

Chelsea - hadn’t won the title since 1955

Inter - hasn’t won the UCL since 1965

Real - hadnt won the title vs Barca for 3 years

Porto - one title in 4 seasons prior, and 20 years since last UCL

Welcome back

[Dan+]

To be honest, he had everything bar the trophy. It's his tenure that has changed how you're perceived. The fact you're mocked for not winning trophies says a lot really - your budget is nearer to Everton than it is the other top sides. Much as we've all had our laughs (oh and believe me you know our fans have) there's no doubt that ultimately he's become a victim of his own success.

Cannot help but feel it's Levy that it'll all come toppling down on.

Pochettino should sit back for a few months and then take that Bayern Munich job if he gets offered it. Couldn't think of a better job for him to walk into rather than the basketcase at Manchester United right now - take the job where it's set for you to win a title and maybe that Manchester United job may come around again anyway.

[Dan+]

Levy just takes takes takes but never gives. He's a money man and nothing else. He's been shrewd up to a point but the clock is ticking for him now, this could be a watershed moment. He's happy to take the Champions League revenue but doesn't want to actually make any significant progress. How can a club have "the game is about glory" around the ground but have Levy calling the shots? He's the absolute opposite of that. This will all come crashing down on him - in-fact you'd have to say 2019 has been the start of that.