Didn't jol drive up to Saudi Sportswashing Machine for an interview?
He did, both him and Harry were similar cases, looking for the next gig (one publicly, one not so much)
I'd argue the pressure was different back then, with the smaller stadium the pressure for a European, eventually CL spot due to the significant revenue gap between us and the other top 4 players, created a succeed this season or else model.
I mentioned it before, watching us have the money to buy Solanke but also still making buys like Gray, Bergvall, Wilson (and putting them in first team), tells me we have a little more flexibility in the "this season" results if it lines us up for future seasons.