In his latest column, the Betway ambassador discusses Spurs’ decision to replace Ange Postecoglou, how the club will approach transfers and Liverpool’s chances of again winning the title.
I think Tottenham’s decision to sack Ange Postecoglou was a little bit harsh, especially after winning the Europa League, which the club hadn’t done for a long time. For me, as a manager, you expect a chance to stay when you’ve won something. In that respect, of course it was harsh. The league season wasn’t great at all, as we know, but Ange had a lot of injuries to deal with at Spurs.
Nevertheless, I’ll look back on Ange’s time at Spurs as successful because he won them a cup, and that’s what all the Tottenham fans have been crying out for. There’s no question that he’ll get another job, whether it’s in the Premier League or abroad, as his CV is very good when it comes to winning trophies. Wherever he’s been, Ange has won. He said that he always wins in his second season, and he delivered. When you look at all the other managers who have been there and tried, like Antonio Conte, Mauricio Pochettino and Harry Redknapp, they haven’t done what he did.
Expectations will be high for Thomas Frank
Thomas Frank is a good manager, of course, and what he’s done at Brentford has been very impressive. He took them from the Championship to where they are today, but he’s going into a different kind of pressure now. He’s going to a massive club with huge expectations, especially after winning a cup.
I think for Spurs fans, earning European football for another season would be huge. The pressure will be on to try and finish in the top four, because those are the expectations of the club and the fans.
It’s safe to expect a change in the style of play, particularly with the high line Spurs used under Ange, but Frank’s certainly a manager that likes to play the right way with some good football. I think he’ll certainly suit the ‘Tottenham way’.
With the quality of players that they have in the likes of James Maddison and Son Heung-min, Spurs have plenty of adaptability in the squad. The manager likes good football and they’re good football players, so I think they’ll suit the way he wants to play.
Mbuemo and Grealish would fit in at Spurs
All eyes will be on the transfer window now. When a manager comes in, he always wants to bring his own people in. Whether that’s Brentford players or not, I’m not sure, but he certainly knows he can trust his former players. Bryan Mbeumo is one who I think could come and fit in well. He’s had good season, scored some goals and got some assists, and now has teams like Man Utd looking at him. I’d expect him to do very well at Spurs.
I’ve also seen Spurs being linked with Jack Grealish in the media. I love Jack. I think he’s a wonderful football player, and he’s a real Tottenham player with the way he plays and moves on the pitch. I really think that he could fit into the into the Tottenham team, whether he plays on the left, as a high No. 8 or as a No. 10. I’d definitely be hoping for that move to happen.
I think Spurs should also prioritise a really solid midfield player who can protect the defence as a No. 6. They need two or three players, and I don’t think there’s any question about that. There are talks about Cristian Romero going, so whether he stays or not will decide whether they have to look for another centre-half. Maybe that’s a position to look at, just in case Romero leaves.
Wirtz makes Liverpool even stronger title favourites
Florian Wirtz is a wonderful player – very technical, very clever, he always picks the right pass and was brilliant under Xabi Alonso. He’ll fit in no problem at Liverpool. When you’ve got that quality, you’ll fit into that team, especially with how Liverpool play. I think he’s a perfect fit for Liverpool.
I think Liverpool need a striker. Darwin Nunez looks like he’ll probably leave, and they’ll prioritise a real No. 9. There’s talk about Diogo Jota going as well. I like Jota, he’s a good player and he can play in different positions, but I definitely think they’ll freshen things up.
Liverpool will be my pick for the title again next season. The squad they already have is strong, and then you add in a few players like Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong and you can only see them getting better.
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