Yeah, but it's been thoroughly debunked. It was basically tweeted by a parody account and 5 different actual journalist have said there's no truth to it at all.There was a report this morning, which has apparently been debunked (but who really knows?) that Mourinho refused to take the team out for training today to protest the Super League.
I guess maybe the optics would just be a bit tougher if they beat Man City this weekend.DING DONG THE WITCH IS DEAD.
Amazing that Levy fired the week before a cup final.
On the off off off chance we pull something off, how great will it be to see Mason holding up the trophy instead of Jose!?DING DONG THE WITCH IS DEAD.
Amazing that Levy fired the week before a cup final.
The WeAreTottenhamTV guys debunked that report as well.There was a report this morning, which has apparently been debunked (but who really knows?) that Mourinho refused to take the team out for training today to protest the Super League.
Blame for Jose's sacking? I don't understand this. Ali Gold, Dan Kirpatrick, Fabrizio Romano, ect. ect. all are reporting (and these are the gold standard for soccer journalism) that this was solely based on results and decided on Friday after a pretty pathetic performance against everton.The WeAreTottenhamTV guys debunked that report as well.
Mou did indeed refused to support the Spurs joining the Super League. It's hard not to be suspicious of the timing.
A few pundits (including Gary Neville) putting some of the blame on the American owners who don't understand the promotion/relegation system as an essential part of competition.
This whole thing is pretty crazy.
Try and Pip Bayern for Naglesmann (long shot but I can dream).So, what do we want to see heading forward?
--Win the cup.
--Get Dele back in lineup.
--Talk to Kane about potential managers?
My bad as I mixed the 2 topics.Blame for Jose's sacking? I don't understand this. Ali Gold, Dan Kirpatrick, Fabrizio Romano, ect. ect. all are reporting (and these are the gold standard for soccer journalism) that this was solely based on results and decided on Friday after a pretty pathetic performance against everton.
What does promotion/relegation have to do with it?
Reported that they negotiated at 15m severance.There is zero chance of anybody being banned from playing in the World Cup due to participating in the ESL. FIFA has absolutely no reason to go along with that and if they tried then all the sponsors and commercial partners they have lined up for 2022 would scream bloody murder and/or bring suit immediately.
I think Spurs fired Mourinho mainly because he was terrible but also because Levy is confident the ESL will go ahead and so eating 30m (or whatever it is) to pay him off doesn't look so bad now.
Yes, it was in the same statement the club released regarding Mourinho.Very curious to see what Mason (is this confirmed?) comes out with on Wednesday.
I bet we see Bale starting again. I also think Kane's won't be available with the ankle and they'll hope he can play in the final.Also, I finally got around to watching the Everton match last night. What a tactical shit show for Mou to leave on. Sissoko had such a puzzling performance that I have to think he was just totally disillusioned with Jose and didn't know what to do (in addition to potentially being merely washed up). He actually made forward passes and tried to get forward, but then he also couldn't be inconvenienced with tracking back for the WBs.
The WBs just had no coordination and the halftime show correctly pointed out that Everton's first goal was caused in large part because both were caught upfield.
Spurs were so so lucky to nab 2 goals and earn a point. Kane is goddamned lethal. That first goal was incredible, especially for being on his weaker foot, and the second goal was just so easy for him (not easy for everyone).
Dier continues to be terrible and he was clearly picked on for Everton's second goal (which was stunningly beautiful BTW). Lloris came up huge and deserves the second most credit for the point behind Kane.
Rodon looked very good. He's certainly got the correct level of nastiness (I assume we're not using the C word anymore, because that was what came to mind).
Lucas had the most bad Lucas game I can ever remember--appropriate for Mou's last match. The commentators pegged Lamela perfectly--brings tons of positive energy, very capable of linking the MF and attack, but the final touch is maddeningly inconsistent.
Very curious to see what Mason (is this confirmed?) comes out with on Wednesday. Any idea what to expect?
It was half-time at the Etihad Stadium on February 13. Tottenham were 1-0 down to Manchester City but had barely been in the game at all. No shots on target, no corners, 35.9 per cent possession.
Jose Mourinho walked in and was unusually positive, telling the players they were doing well and to keep it up. Some of the senior players in the dressing room were shocked that such a passive, negative approach could be right for this club. “You really think this is good?” remarked one. Tottenham did nothing in the second half and lost the game 3-0.
The Kane note below is interesting:While many of the players were pleased to hear of Mourinho’s dismissal on Monday...
The Athletic
can reveal how:
- Tottenham players were left bored and untested by his training sessions
- Most of squad were expecting his sacking
- Tactics were so obsessed with stopping opposition that players were unsure how to attack
- Mourinho’s assistant Joao Sacramento was unpopular with the squad
- The club were unhappy with Mourinho’s criticism of the players and asked him to stop it
- Mourinho ran out of allies at the club, on and off the pitch
- Only Harry Kane was loyal to Mourinho at the end
- His dismissal had nothing to do with the Super League and was based purely on results
Under the Argentinean, the team had a clear philosophy of play which they would work on perfecting every day. Under Mourinho, that went out of the window. His approach was to tailor different tactics to every single opponent, designed to exploit their own distinct weaknesses. Players remarked that as they got closer to every match, the atmosphere was increasingly marked by fear of what might go wrong. Spurs were so fixated on what the opposition might do, they forgot to focus on their own game.
There is also a sense at the club that the players must bear some real responsibility for the struggles in recent years. The fact that the same squad has made the opposite complaints about Mourinho as they did about Pochettino has not gone unnoticed, nor has the way that the players’ form tailed off at the first sign of trouble.
Kane's not going anywhere. He's under contract for three more years, it would take an astronomical fee for Levy to sell him, and nobody's putting up that kind of fee during Covid times for a 28-year-old striker with a history of niggling injury problems.It definitely is not an entirely Jose problem. I thought that in the Everton game, while Jose made imo, bad choices with squad selection and some tactical miscues, the players played extremely poorly. Dier was terrible, the fullbacks offered little in both attack and defending, Sissoko was bad, Lamela screwed up several chances late in the game, Lucas had a terrible game...it wasn't entirely Jose's fault. Now, Jose probably shoulders some responsibility for killing team morale and refusing to play our best players, but the problems for Tottenham go far beyond Jose.
My dream scenario right now is that there is a honeymoon period with Mason, and they go on to play more attacking soccer with Bale and Dele playing a bigger role. Finish the season strongly, qualify for Europe (presumably, we will see how the ESL shakes out) and build some momentum heading into the next season. Use the offseason to ship some of the problematic players out and reload with some fresh faces.
The rumors about Kane wanting out are troubling. He was apparently loyal to Jose and Jose's firing, while the correct move, might hurt Kane's willingness to stay. If I'm him I just turned out a POY season and got nothing in return when it comes to trophies, potential EFL Cup notwithstanding. The clock is ticking on his prime, and he could make a hefty amount of money going somewhere else. I always felt like the team could retain Kane as long as they remained competitive at the highest level, and they are currently not at that level. The potential loss of Lloris is also concerning; they don't have another keeper currently ready to step into the role and Lloris has been underrated and a rock this season for a team with a revolving door of shaky defenders.
Nobody wants this to be true more than me. Basically my only enjoyment from Spurs this season is watching Harry (and Son) score goals.Kane's not going anywhere. He's under contract for three more years, it would take an astronomical fee for Levy to sell him, and nobody's putting up that kind of fee during Covid times for a 28-year-old striker with a history of niggling injury problems.
And a year without European games (depending on what happens with ESL) could no wonders for the team.Kane's not going anywhere. He's under contract for three more years, it would take an astronomical fee for Levy to sell him, and nobody's putting up that kind of fee during Covid times for a 28-year-old striker with a history of niggling injury problems.
While players play, it was a tactical disasterclass from Mou and I'm not pinning any of it on the players (other than Sissoko's lack of effort). Dier was awful, but the defensive setup was trash and it's been obvious for some time that most fixtures didn't include a tactical offensive plan.It definitely is not an entirely Jose problem. I thought that in the Everton game, while Jose made imo, bad choices with squad selection and some tactical miscues, the players played extremely poorly. Dier was terrible, the fullbacks offered little in both attack and defending, Sissoko was bad, Lamela screwed up several chances late in the game, Lucas had a terrible game...it wasn't entirely Jose's fault. Now, Jose probably shoulders some responsibility for killing team morale and refusing to play our best players, but the problems for Tottenham go far beyond Jose.
My dream scenario right now is that there is a honeymoon period with Mason, and they go on to play more attacking soccer with Bale and Dele playing a bigger role. Finish the season strongly, qualify for Europe (presumably, we will see how the ESL shakes out) and build some momentum heading into the next season. Use the offseason to ship some of the problematic players out and reload with some fresh faces.
The rumors about Kane wanting out are troubling. He was apparently loyal to Jose and Jose's firing, while the correct move, might hurt Kane's willingness to stay. If I'm him I just turned out a POY season and got nothing in return when it comes to trophies, potential EFL Cup notwithstanding. The clock is ticking on his prime, and he could make a hefty amount of money going somewhere else. I always felt like the team could retain Kane as long as they remained competitive at the highest level, and they are currently not at that level. The potential loss of Lloris is also concerning; they don't have another keeper currently ready to step into the role and Lloris has been underrated and a rock this season for a team with a revolving door of shaky defenders.
The most frustrating thing for me this season is watching games unfold by Tottenham opening the game up with strong offensive play for the first 30 minutes, ending with a goal. Then Tottenham park the bus, stop attacking or looking to maintain possession, and instead buckle down as defenders come on as substitutes, which inevitably ends up with the opponents eventually getting an equalizer (or taking the lead) and Tottenham dropping points. This happened week-after-week and devolved into a weekly torture.While players play, it was a tactical disasterclass from Mou and I'm not pinning any of it on the players (other than Sissoko's lack of effort). Dier was awful, but the defensive setup was trash and it's been obvious for some time that most fixtures didn't include a tactical offensive plan.
It's why I've said Mou is not the pragmatist his apologists say he is. He's an obstinate dinosaur. He really should take this as his cue to get into the international game. He would be brilliant at that.The most frustrating thing for me this season is watching games unfold by Tottenham opening the game up with strong offensive play for the first 30 minutes, ending with a goal. Then Tottenham park the bus, stop attacking or looking to maintain possession, and instead buckle down as defenders come on as substitutes, which inevitably ends up with the opponents eventually getting an equalizer (or taking the lead) and Tottenham dropping points. This happened week-after-week and devolved into a weekly torture.
The frustrating part was that during the early stages of the game, it would be clear that Tottenham had the talent to control the game, and instead of keeping their foot on the gas, Jose would park the bus and allow less-talented teams to control the game and nab a goal after Dier/Sissoko/Sanchez/Aurier made a mistake. So many games this season that should have been 3-0 or 3-1 victories ended up in 1-1 draws.
I'd also add that Tottenham often were only able to win points thanks to incredible efficiency from Son and Kane. Tottenham are 4th in goals scored, but 9th in xG. Kane and Son have made the absolute most out of the limited chances Mou's system could create. The Everton game they didn't even generate any good chances; Kane was fortunate to sniff the goal twice and he buried each chance.It's why I've said Mou is not the pragmatist his apologists say he is. He's an obstinate dinosaur. He really should take this as his cue to get into the international game. He would be brilliant at that.
Nobody there has the time to coach attacking play really, so it levels things out for him.It's why I've said Mou is not the pragmatist his apologists say he is. He's an obstinate dinosaur. He really should take this as his cue to get into the international game. He would be brilliant at that.
On the down side, if Spurs don't improve in the next season or two, I could definitely see Kane pulling an RVP when he gets down to 1 year left on his contract and demanding a move to a more competitive club to win trophies.Nobody wants this to be true more than me. Basically my only enjoyment from Spurs this season is watching Harry (and Son) score goals.
I watched 2 Bale interviews after the game. He did everything but specifically say Jose sucked the life out of him. I'm sure not all players felt that way, but it was very clear from Gareth.
I would prefer Sanchez, but Rodon can't start Sunday and the reporting is that Mason was trying to get some continuity between 2 CBs.I'm guessing Jose didn't value Bale's input on club selection.
Terrific that Spurs got the 3 points and that the team showed some real spine in the final 15 minutes of the match (how's that for a juxtaposition)! Now, why in the hell did Dier start?!??
He was pretty good I thought. I wouldn't mind that Dier starting.I'm guessing Jose didn't value Bale's input on club selection.
Terrific that Spurs got the 3 points and that the team showed some real spine in the final 15 minutes of the match (how's that for a juxtaposition)! Now, why in the hell did Dier start?!??
Dier is much better in a team pressing aggressively and playing a high line. He's quick and athletic and can cover ground, close space down and make tackles, he's an ok passer for a CB (he used to play in MF after all), and if he concedes a foul or two, no big deal. He's much worse defending in his own penalty box, where his errors have more catastrophic effects.He was pretty good I thought. I wouldn't mind that Dier starting.
The problem is how we usually get that Dier plus 1 - 3 catastrophic errors.
The first half was a muddle. A symptom that everyone’s attention was briefly diverted this week and that, perhaps, this hastily assembled coaching staff haven’t had the time to turn their attention to defensive set pieces or dealing with crosses. Had it not been for a trio of truly excellent Hugo Lloris saves, Southampton might have been out of sight. Che Adams should have scored. Kyle Walker-Peters probably should have done too.
But after an hour, it began to feel good again. Effective and proactive, certainly, but also familiar.
And yet Bale’s goal awoke something. In the days after his interim appointment, Mason spoke of Mauricio Pochettino’s influence upon him, both as a man and as a coach, and his Tottenham would go on to produce just enough football to elicit a feeling of faint nostalgia.
After Bale had shaped his equaliser into the top corner, that attacking carousel began to shift gears. Suddenly Son was dropping wide and left, teasing a defender out towards the touchline and opening space for a knifing run into the box. There were the full-backs, too, punching through lines and creating superiorities that haven’t been seen since the turn of the year. Sergio Reguilon and Serge Aurier may have begun the game hearing footsteps and showing all the scars of the past few months, but by full-time they were providing thrust and support, most notably for a midfield which really developed a firm footing.
This was aggressive football. It was also borrowed from Pochettino. It was many other things too: patchy, late to arrive and aided by Danny Ings limping off and a Southampton challenge that noticeably wilted, but it was still a welcome change of tone
Tottenham have found something to be terrified of in nearly every fixture they’ve played, and as any fan will tell you, that’s an exhausting way to go through the fixture list.
Here, though, was the relief and optimism. A flawed, imperfect and slightly fortunate win in the end, but one which was deserved reward for chasing a game before it became a lost cause.
With the way defense is spelled.... maybe they mean San Antonio?Go to google and type in lackadaisical and read the sample sentence from google’s definition.
"a lackadaisical defense left the Spurs adrift in the second half"
I was thinking the same thing because of the use of "the".With the way defense is spelled.... maybe they mean San Antonio?