da dobrowin： I don’t want to bore you with all the details because as most of you know, the past few days have been quite eventful. With the resignation of Fabio Capello as England Manager and the even better timing of Harry Redknapp being cleared of tax evasion, there is no better way to parade the inevitable outcome of Harry being the next England head coach.
da brwin： Despite the Football Association’s poor attempts to hide their unconfirmed decision, it doesn’t take a genius to know the Tottenham boss is wanted by the FA. So in that respect what is next for the club left in the middle of all this?
Spurs have been one of the most exciting teams in the Premier League, largely down to Harry’s free flowing philosophy. They currently sit in 3rd place with just 13 games to go and although winning the league seems unlikely at this stage, there is little doubt in my mind that Redknapp will secure a top four finish for Tottenham before being called to manage at the Euros.
So who should Daniel Levy turn to if he fails to retain Harry’s services at Tottenham? Here is my shortlist of three:
Rafa Benitez – As surprising as this may seem to Tottenham fans, I genuinely think Rafael Benitez would be an interesting bet to take over at White Hart Lane.
And why not? He has Premier League experience with Liverpool and also a Champions League medal to boot. He has also proven in the past for Valencia and Liverpool that he is tactically sound, leading the La Liga team to two titles in 2001 and 2004.
The Spaniard may not bring the flair and free flowing football that the Spurs faithful have seen often this season but I think it’s fair to say he has a winning mentality. I accept that Rafa didn’t have the best of spells at Inter Milan but you could argue he wasn’t given enough time.
With 350 games for Liverpool, Rafa managed to merit a 55.47% win record with 194 victories, so there’s no doubt he has what it takes to win in the Premier League. With regards to his style of play, you could argue it won’t suit Spurs, but the truth is, with the players Spurs have there’s no harm in grinding out results in harder games now and then, which he’s proved he can do in the past.
In addition, back to back Champions League finals with Valencia in 2000 and 2001 is no mean feat, especially when you go to win it with a Liverpool side in 2005. The only downside is that sometimes his transfers can be questionable but he’s certainly a potential candidate worth considering.
Frank Rijkaard – If anyone has the ability to replace Harry Redknapp then the Dutchman holds a strong case in my opinion. Frank Rijkaard’s personal style would most certainly complement the way Tottenham play at present and they wouldn’t lose any of their attacking prowess with the former Barcelona boss commanding things at the lane.
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Rijkaard revolutionised Barcelona’s style of play during his time there and he could take Tottenham to the next level in challenging for the title. His time at the Nou Camp was highly successful with a win percentage of 58.61% during which time he landed two La Liga titles, as well as one Champions League title back in 2006. In some quarters Rijkaard is credited as the man who actually laid down the strong foundations that Pep Guardiola has been working from in the past few seasons.
Rijkaard is currently coach of the Saudi Arabian National Team, although it remains to be seen whether the Dutchman will find the challenge at Tottenham too hard to turn down if the opportunity presented itself.
Jose Mourinho – Famously known as the ‘Special One’ and a manager I’m sure that almost every Spurs fan would love to see at the Lane. His record speaks for itself with a win ratio close to 70% that has included a trophy haul that includes six titles in three different countries, as well as two Champions League titles.
Known for his disciplined tactics, Jose has brought a different style to Real Madrid who play with a certain swagger warranting them a place at the top of the La Liga at present. If Spurs are serious about challenging for the title this is arguably their man.
Jose Mourinho has already stated he will be leaving Real Madrid this summer, but reports have suggested his ambitions to be reunited with Chelsea again, who he won back to back titles with in 2005 and 2006, however whether that happens remains to be seen.
So they are my three candidates for the Tottenham post, but who would you like to see take the reins at White Hart Lane?
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