Lasun Alagbe
The drama that defines professional football has manifested again in Tottenham.
A day after they sacked their manager, Mauritio Pochettino, for poor performance, they have announced controversial man, Jose Mourinho, as their new handler.
The irony that followers of modern football are, however, likely to underline is that the latter too was relieved of his job just months ago.
Manchester United asked him to go following the team’s bad outing in last season’s EPL.
The question a layman and doubting Thomas would thus ask is: what has a sacked coach got to offer replacing a sacked coach?
Pundits might note that seasons and styles could make a difference.
Mourinho might also be unleashing on the Spurs part of the freshness he must have garnered in the months he had been off the pitch.
In terms of style, however, some, including media executive and Liverpool’s big fan, Bamidele Johnson, have mischievously expressed the fear that, based on his notorious philosophy, Mourinho might convert a Harry Kane to full back.
But as Reuters/NAN also reports, Spurs management believes in the powers of the new coach to make things happen, which made them to engage him on a contract that runs until the end of the 2022 to 2023 season, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.
“In Jose we have one of the most successful managers in football,” Spurs Chairman Daniel Levy said in a statement on the club website.
“He has a wealth of experience, can inspire teams and is a great tactician. He has won honours at every club he has coached. We believe he will bring energy and belief to the dressing room.”
Spurs, who currently sit 14th in the league, are the third Premier League club that Mourinho will manage.
“I am excited to be joining a club with such a great heritage and such passionate supporters,” Mourinho said.
“The quality in both the squad and the academy excites me. Working with these players is what has attracted me.
