Next Spurs manager mega-thread

[BrainOfLevy]

Juventus coach Antonio Conte linked with Tottenham move should Harry Redknapp take England job

Antonio Conte, the Juventus coach, has emerged as a potential candidate for the Tottenham Hotspur manager’s position if England take on Harry Redknapp this summer.

Last month Conte steered Juventus into their first Italian Cup final for eight years with a 2-2 draw against Milan. The 4-3 aggregate win was achieved after extra time, whereupon Conte declared: “We haven’t done anything yet.”

But something is certainly stirring at Juventus and it is in Serie A that Conte’s achievements have been most noteworthy.

In 30 matches this season Conte’s side are unbeaten, with only their high number of draws – 14 against 16 wins – keeping them two points behind Milan at the head of the table.

The path to the Premier League for Conte, who rose to prominence with Serie B promotions during short spells at Bari and Siena, seems assured.

The 42-year-old former Italy international midfielder, who ended his career at Juventus after making more than 400 appearances in the black-and-white shirt, is understood to be taking English lessons.

However, Tottenham deny having made contact with Conte or any other prospective post-Redknapp candidates.

It is said their recruitment procedures will only get under way once the Football Association’s intentions over the England vacancy become clear.

Indeed, Redknapp’s status as the bookmakers’ favourite for that role appeared at least initially to destabilise his squad following Fabio Capello’s resignation in February.

If Wembley’s supposed interest in Redknapp materialises into a job offer, there is no guarantee that – having vacillated between enthusiasm and doubt about the England job – he would accept it.

In that event, or if no FA offer were made, Redknapp will remain Spurs manager into next season. Otherwise, Spurs expect that, if their manager does leave, the vacancy would attract significant interest from leading managers.

That much has been signalled by the number of approaches the Spurs chairman, Daniel Levy, has received amid the England speculation surrounding Redknapp.

Everton’s David Moyes has been linked with the role, as has Brendan Rodgers, but the Swansea manager said yesterday he was in no rush to leave the Liberty Stadium.

He has won rave reviews this campaign for his side’s Barcelona-style passing game.

“I take great satisfaction in my job here and it’s nice and humbling whenever people are saying nice things about you,“ said Rodgers, “but for me there are many great managers at this level.

"My only concentration and focus is on our next game and trying to make sure that we can maintain the standards that we have set all season.

“I have been here a couple of seasons and we have had success here. There is always gossip and speculation, which you can’t do much about, but I love it here and hope to continue.”

Meanwhile, Rodgers believes Premier League player of the month Gylfi Sigurdsson is Swansea’s very own Frank Lampard. The 22-year-old Icelandic midfielder, who is on loan from Hoffenheim, scored his sixth goal in 11 league games against Spurs on Sunday.

“It is a great honour for him and shows the level the team have been at as well.” said Rodgers. “He has been a wonderful acquisition, I knew what I was getting and he has delivered brilliantly.

"Hopefully he can continue that until the end of the season.

“He is in the Frank Lampard mould, he gets into the six-yard box, is willing to get his shot off and can score with his head like he did at Fulham.

"I’m not saying he is as good as Lampard but he is that type of goalscoring midfield player.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/tottenham-hotspur/9187217/Juventus-coach-Antonio-Conte-linked-with-Tottenham-move-should-Harry-Redknapp-take-England-job.html

I don't see why the media keep saying Rodgers has ruled himself out...to me his quotes read like the exact script of a manager deliberately not ruling himself out. He's basically ruled himself out of Spurs as much as Harry has ruled himself out of England.

I'd have Rodgers, and I'd also say, to people that say he needs a second season at Swansea to really prove himself, why? How many other teams have achieved what Swansea have achieved this season? I don't mean having a 'good' season in the league, I mean doing it in the style that they have. Plenty of teams have came up, looked to frustrate teams once they were hear and have now managed to established themselves. Stoke and Bolton being those examples. Hull came up and couldn't sustain it for a second season but Phil Brown was an Allardyce disciple. Norwich have done well because Lambert is brave and fearless tactically, radically altering gameplans from game to game and even mid-match in order to get an edge on his opposition and make poorer players overperform. I think he's a great talent but not exactly what Spurs need. Blackpool came up and played exciting football, but it was pretty reckless and ultimately the results were bound to catch up with them.

Rodgers is the only one that has played in such a way that has gotten universal praise. Fluid, possession football, defensive solidarity, and results. He plays a system that would suit our squad down to the ground. Why does he need to prove this in a second season? What he does isn't like Lambert, where he needs to get it right every game. It isnt like Bolton or Stoke, where frustration is the name of the name. He simply sends his team out there to play good, possession football. Why would that change next season?

 

[chancer]

Juventus coach Antonio Conte linked with Tottenham move should Harry Redknapp take England job

Antonio Conte, the Juventus coach, has emerged as a potential candidate for the Tottenham Hotspur managerÔÇÖs position if England take on Harry Redknapp this summer.

Last month Conte steered Juventus into their first Italian Cup final for eight years with a 2-2 draw against Milan. The 4-3 aggregate win was achieved after extra time, whereupon Conte declared: ÔÇ£We havenÔÇÖt done anything yet.ÔÇØ

But something is certainly stirring at Juventus and it is in Serie A that ConteÔÇÖs achievements have been most noteworthy.

In 30 matches this season ConteÔÇÖs side are unbeaten, with only their high number of draws ÔÇô 14 against 16 wins ÔÇô keeping them two points behind Milan at the head of the table.

The path to the Premier League for Conte, who rose to prominence with Serie B promotions during short spells at Bari and Siena, seems assured.

The 42-year-old former Italy international midfielder, who ended his career at Juventus after making more than 400 appearances in the black-and-white shirt, is understood to be taking English lessons.

However, Tottenham deny having made contact with Conte or any other prospective post-Redknapp candidates.

It is said their recruitment procedures will only get under way once the Football AssociationÔÇÖs intentions over the England vacancy become clear.

Indeed, RedknappÔÇÖs status as the bookmakersÔÇÖ favourite for that role appeared at least initially to destabilise his squad following Fabio CapelloÔÇÖs resignation in February.

If WembleyÔÇÖs supposed interest in Redknapp materialises into a job offer, there is no guarantee that ÔÇô having vacillated between enthusiasm and doubt about the England job ÔÇô he would accept it.

In that event, or if no FA offer were made, Redknapp will remain Spurs manager into next season. Otherwise, Spurs expect that, if their manager does leave, the vacancy would attract significant interest from leading managers.

That much has been signalled by the number of approaches the Spurs chairman, Daniel Levy, has received amid the England speculation surrounding Redknapp.

EvertonÔÇÖs David Moyes has been linked with the role, as has Brendan Rodgers, but the Swansea manager said yesterday he was in no rush to leave the Liberty Stadium.

He has won rave reviews this campaign for his sideÔÇÖs Barcelona-style passing game.

ÔÇ£I take great satisfaction in my job here and itÔÇÖs nice and humbling whenever people are saying nice things about you,ÔÇ£ said Rodgers, ÔÇ£but for me there are many great managers at this level.

"My only concentration and focus is on our next game and trying to make sure that we can maintain the standards that we have set all season.

ÔÇ£I have been here a couple of seasons and we have had success here. There is always gossip and speculation, which you canÔÇÖt do much about, but I love it here and hope to continue.ÔÇØ

Meanwhile, Rodgers believes Premier League player of the month Gylfi Sigurdsson is SwanseaÔÇÖs very own Frank Lampard. The 22-year-old Icelandic midfielder, who is on loan from Hoffenheim, scored his sixth goal in 11 league games against Spurs on Sunday.

ÔÇ£It is a great honour for him and shows the level the team have been at as well.ÔÇØ said Rodgers. ÔÇ£He has been a wonderful acquisition, I knew what I was getting and he has delivered brilliantly.

"Hopefully he can continue that until the end of the season.

ÔÇ£He is in the Frank Lampard mould, he gets into the six-yard box, is willing to get his shot off and can score with his head like he did at Fulham.

"IÔÇÖm not saying he is as good as Lampard but he is that type of goalscoring midfield player.ÔÇØ

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/tottenham-hotspur/9187217/Juventus-coach-Antonio-Conte-linked-with-Tottenham-move-should-Harry-Redknapp-take-England-job.html

I find the tone of these kinds of articles weird. They always seem to assume that Spurs (or whoever) would simply click their fingers and get Conte if they wanted him, and that Conte would be lucky and delighted to get the job. But he's the manager of Juve ffs! They are one of the great names in world football, are rocking in their new stadium by all accounts and Conte is a Juve man through and through.

But the Egnglish press always seem to imply that any manager would be privileged to get a job in the Prem and would drop everything to do it. I just don't think that's true, and certainly not in Conte's case. I'm not saying he wouldn't come, just that it's patronising to say he's a "candidate" as though he has to line up like a grateful and nervous intern.

 

[indianspur]

I don't see why the media keep saying Rodgers has ruled himself out...to me his quotes read like the exact script of a manager deliberately not ruling himself out. He's basically ruled himself out of Spurs as much as Harry has ruled himself out of England.

initially Rodgers categorically ruled himself out leaving Swansea, but in the last few weeks he has definitely changed his tone. He is leaving the door open to an approach from one of the bigger clubs. I think if Levy wants him this summer and pays the compo to Swansea, Rodgers will be his man

 

[Bales Left Boot]

My dream choice would be Mourinho, however Rodgers is obviously the more realistic option.

Although I have no doubts about his coaching ability both him and Bilic would have to adapt to managing a squad both in the league and in European competitions. Added to this the need to get a "name" that will inspire existing first teamers while attracting players to the club.

Far and away the most important signing of the summer IF Harry leaves.

 

[indianspur]

George Graham hadnt managed in the top flight before he was given the Arsenal job. His experience came at Millwall in the old second and third divisions.

with that lack of top division experience, he still managed to bring home a stack of trophies for the scum. Wenger also hadnt managed in the Prem before taking over at Arse, ok he had the French league track record, but Arse recruited him from a Japanese club for gods sake. Imagine Levy doing that this summer

so all those saying that the likes of Rodgers need more experience in the premiership, well as Arse have shown its not always a prerequisite

 

[milo]

George Graham hadnt managed in the top flight before he was given the Arsenal job. His experience came at Millwall in the old second and third divisions.

with that lack of top division experience, he still managed to bring home a stack of trophies for the scum. Wenger also hadnt managed in the Prem before taking over at Arse, ok he had the French league track record, but Arse recruited him from a Japanese club for gods sake. Imagine Levy doing that this summer

so all those saying that the likes of Rodgers need more experience in the premiership, well as Arse have shown its not always a prerequisite

No it is not but a track record over more than one or two seasons probably means that they have a higher chance of being successful. It should also be remembered that the English game is very different to when Graham or even Wenger went to that lot down the road.

 

[braineclipse]

No it is not but a track record over more than one or two seasons probably means that they have a higher chance of being successful. It should also be remembered that the English game is very different to when Graham or even Wenger went to that lot down the road.

I agree. Highest possible probability of success is the name of the game. One example of an unproven manager succeeding carries no more weight than one example of an unproven manager that failed.

 

[Howard Webb]

Slavan billic? Some waccy baccy being smoked in here

 

[milo]

I agree. Highest possible probability of success is the name of the game. One example of an unproven manager succeeding carries no more weight than one example of an unproven manager that failed.

Exactly

 

[Roy1983]

My mate, who is a season ticket holder of 6 years, wants Alan Curbishley!!

 

[milo]

My mate, who is a season ticket holder of 6 years, wants Alan Curbishley!!

Your mate is an idiot

 

[braineclipse]

My mate, who is a season ticket holder of 6 years, wants Alan Curbishley!!

He should be on our shortlist. Right above Souness and John Terry.

 

[indianspur]

No it is not but a track record over more than one or two seasons probably means that they have a higher chance of being successful. It should also be remembered that the English game is very different to when Graham or even Wenger went to that lot down the road.

i really dont think there is a magic formula to successful management. Top level experience, no experience, foreign, British, young manager, old manager

who knows, maybe its the simple case of whoever is chosen to be given the full licence to do the job on his terms, with no interference, and to be given time. Good players and a bit of luck also helps i guess

 

[milo]

i really dont think there is a magic formula to successful management. Top level experience, no experience, foreign, British, young manager, old manager

who knows, maybe its the simple case of whoever is chosen to be given the full licence to do the job on his terms, with no interference, and to be given time. Good players and a bit of luck also helps i guess

A manager with a good track record in a top league is more likely to be successful than someone who doesn't. That does not mean that someone without that experience could not be successful, just less likely.

 

[indianspur]

I agree. Highest possible probability of success is the name of the game. One example of an unproven manager succeeding carries no more weight than one example of an unproven manager that failed.

highest possible probability of success is a Ferguson, a Mourinho, maybe a Hiddink. After them, i wonder how much of a difference there is between the rest of the candidates

 

[braineclipse]

highest possible probability of success is a Ferguson, a Mourinho, maybe a Hiddink. After them, i wonder how much of a difference there is between the rest of the candidates

There were two long shot and one realistic candidate that stood out, Mourinho, Hidding and Ancelotti. Two of those are now completely impossible and Mourinho is very unlikely. I agree with you that there is very little between the other candidates. I would go for Rodgers.

 

[billyiddo]

A manager with a good track record in a top league is more likely to be successful than someone who doesn't. That does not mean that someone without that experience could not be successful, just less likely.

i wouldn't say it was less likely - just less of a sure thing

 

[braineclipse]

i wouldn't say it was less likely - just less of a sure thing

What is the difference?

Less likely means that there is a lower % chance of that person succeeding.

Less of a sure thing means...?

 

[billyiddo]

to me - 'less likely' is saying they have less of a chance of succeeding whereas 'less of a sure thing' is the perception that they will not succeed

not sure if i am getting that across how i want to

i don't think that someone with a track record has more chance of succeeding than say a young manager who has potential - it's all perception - you are either good enough for the job or not - regardless of whether you have had the chance to prove it or not.

 

[braineclipse]

to me - 'less likely' is saying they have less of a chance of succeeding whereas 'less of a sure thing' is the perception that they will not succeed

not sure if i am getting that across how i want to

i don't think that someone with a track record has more chance of succeeding than say a young manager who has potential - it's all perception - you are either good enough for the job or not - regardless of whether you have had the chance to prove it or not.

That one person is either good enough or not. But if we have 20 managers to choose from, 10 are proven and 10 are unproven I think a higher number of the proven managers would make it than the unproven managers. Because of the proven managers there might once have been another 10 that got a chance, but were already proven to be not good enough. That makes it more likely for us that a proven manager will succeed.