Welcome to the brave new world
Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 8:10PM How utterly refreshing. After four years of The Harry Redknapp Show it almost feels surreal that we have someone that is humble and concise with their answers. Some that is representative of the club (‘we’) and not a brand name. Villas-Boas might have had a voice that could grate cheese (thank you British summer time), but he said all the right things. Nothing overly dramatic, just to the point, every time. Loved his ‘much more emotional warmth in this club’ comment. A dig at Chelsea, but equally so a reassuring nod of approval towards us. Okay, so he’s hardly going to say anything negative during his first couple of interviews (one with Tottenham for the website the other with the press) but it’s a comfort to hear honesty without the constraints of cheap soundbites, translators and that travelcard.
All this hype about player revolts and lack of respect, just b*llsh*t based on assumptions of what happened in West London and the obsession with the former man at the helm. Interestingly, Villas-Boas did claim some credit and did cite their players as ‘magnificent’. I’m wondering how much of that was perhaps PR to avoid anything too controversial – although the media have latched onto the fact that he stated he wasn’t allowed to complete the work he started there. Maybe a dash of ego and not PR. Although a good point was made that Villas-Boas can sometimes come across as a little arrogant but this might be more to do with English not being his first language. I’m sure he wasn’t claiming the FA Cup and Champions League, although if anyone is going to claim the latter it will be the Gods.
In comparison to the emotional warmth at Spurs, all this probably alludes to the fact at Chelsea it was nothing but ego and alpha-males thumping their chests and claiming territory. That’s not to say everyone in Lilywhite will adjust with ease to a new era of football methodology in terms of training, preparation and tactics. But those hungry to achieve more will up their game to match the ambitions of our new head coach.
It’s no secret that although Redknapp did display on occasions some shrewdness on the pitch, it wasn’t consistent. And on the training pitch, as famously suggested by van der Vaart, we didn’t spend too much time with the chalkboards.
Villas-Boas also said something that I’ve been echoing since before he joined and that was, in terms of the team, aside from having to make one or two key signings, there isn’t too much to tweak or change. Not drastically. There is no chairman agenda to dismantle and rebuild. VB stated it would be wrong to undo the work Redknapp achieved. We need to progress it.
Player instructions and formation will go through an evolution but this will be gradual and dependent on how our players adapt. If there’s belief it shouldn’t be too much of a task. We’ve got very capable footballers that will be able to improve on their form because of how Villas-Boas approaches the game. He’s a tactician, he’ll organise from training to diet to on field positioning. He’ll innovate. Redknapp’s style was about man-management and inspiring. We’ll still need some of those basics to bring it altogether. Under Harry our away form was birthed (non-existent for so many years). Possibly his greatest achievement at Spurs was to get us working hard, grafting as a unit away from the Lane. It’s key we continue this as our home form has been strong for several years now. An area where VB will look at improving is the struggles we had when sides parked the bus against us.
Talking of inspiring and hard work, we’ve got Steffen Freund on-board. Assistant head coach. If you take previous into account, as a player, Freund was hardly the most polished. But his cult status at Spurs (he’s a hall of famer) remains legendary. Passionate, relentless – so much so synonymous with the club he’s made a few appearances in the stands wearing our colours. He’s a character with character. I guess it’s easy to assume that as a coach, this is what he’ll offer. When Villas-Boas is squatting, thinking on the touchline Freund will be screaming and shouting at the players – pumping them up. I’m sure that is a given but he’s credentials as a coach should probably not be ignored. In other words, I don’t think we’re getting a one-dimensional addition to the coaching staff. He’s not going to be a gimmick.
Assistant head coach of the Germany U-20 team, assistant to Berti Vogts (Nigeria), assistant to Frank Engel (U-20 Germany), manager U-16 Germany, manager U-17 Germany (with impressive finishes in Euro and World Cups) then back with the U-16 squad. Youth football is not comparable to the Premier League but he’s experienced and considering it’s Germany they’re hardly going to show commitment and confidence in anyone other than a coach they rate and trust. Freund might just be a masterstroke.
Other footnotes.
Luka Modric. Villa-Boas confirming what we all knew but with fine clarity. The club, from the sounds of it, have one or two interested parties and if the right offer is made then the player will be allowed to leave. Modric, apparently, understands the clubs stance on valuation. Also, the fact he’s in a long term contract means anything silly (transfer request) is unlikely. We’ll see if Levy is playing games here with perhaps another masterful move to retain Luka’s services (again). But I don’t think that will happen. He’ll price him out of a move to another English club. That’s as good as we can hope for.
As for talk on title challenges. Easy to misquote or take out of context. I took this to simply be a continuation of last season when, at one point in the season many (outside of Spurs too) admitted we were in the race. Okay, so only momentarily in the race, but still in it. Just need that gentle push of belief and strength and there’s no reason why we can’t get involved again. This time, sustaining it. This is not my expectation, but this is the exact ilk of speak I want to hear from our coach. No ambiguity. Just aim high. What’s the point of aiming any lower?
Also impressive is the new training centre in Enfield. Looks absolutely brilliant. Again, would have been completely wasted on Harry Redknapp and his old skool thinking. Brad Fridel should also get a mention for his attitude. Very upfront about Spurs and the appointment of Villas-Boas (whilst speaking on radio) and also the fact that he understands and is prepared to perhaps sit on the bench to make way for a more youthful long term goalkeeper. Hugo Lloris is still in talks with Spurs (although it’s being downplayed). His club have to sell this summer and Tottenham remain the most likely destination. I guess, considering Brad’s age, it’s not that difficult to admit you might have to play second fiddle but it was good to hear a player speak with such grace and honesty.
Onwards.
Reader Comments (21)
first
Brave new world indeed !
Positively suprised by Freund appointment !
New start, - lets go...
lloris seems like he would cost a lot. Would rather see us go after Vorm; would probably cost half the price and is awesome. ALSO if Swansea are going to play the same next year we should seriously be looking at loaning any really good youngsters their way. Great way for them to get experience in what will hopefully be the new tottenham way (similar to last year, but higher line and better ball retention when ahead).
Steffan freund if a football genius......!
Lloris is class. Vorm is too small and no-where near the quality of Lloris. He is a game winning goal keeper. Research the player before making judgement!!
Nice piece, thank you. Like the quote from Ego, hope that this is our Man U moment and equally hope that AVB is given the time to show that this team and he can produce, however if he doesn't come out guns blazing it could end up more Ramos-esque than Fergie-esque.
Have not been this excited about an upcoming season for a very long time, new training facility, coach, players, ground breaking to start on the new stadium. COYS
We now have the opposite end of the scale with regards our manager...AVB is half HR's age he is a tactition and passionate about the game... He crouches in his technical area, punches the air with delight when a goal is scored... Shows more emotion than HR could ever show.
AVB was in a no win situation at Chelski a real pressure cooker it was doomed to fail.
He has already become a breath of fresh air at our club and I honestly believe he will bring us success.
He will take every competition seriously.... I love that he wants to try and win them all, and he will rotate the squad properly, not like HR who basically did not have a clue. AVB we welcome you with open arms and wish you all the success you wish yourself. COYS !
do it
I am very excited but cautious optimism is how I'd describe my expectations and feelings. Losing Modric weakens us. He pulls the strings and sets the tempo. We will miss him hugely. Moutinho is the closest thing out there to a replacement but I fear the Porto chairman and our dear dear mr levy will will come to loggerheads over the fee. The proverbial immovable object v the unstoppable force. Don't forget this man got 15m fir a 33 year old manager. He'll squeeze us for every penny. A quick GK is also critical when playing a high line so Lloris makes sense. £13.5 m is cheap for a player who could earn us 10-15 points a season. I really hope we can get this across the line. After that the circus needs a big top. Well it's a crap analogy but we need strikers and how. Adebator is the best striker we could hope to sign and once the second season syndrome doesn't ruin him as per his previous clubs we're good to go. If we could tack on an up and coming young forward with pace who can add goals off the right we should be challenging the top 2. All very exciting and the prospect of it all going horribly should make our success all the sweeter when the results start rolling in!!!!! COYS!!!!!
levy must b praised 2many knock him but if it wernt 4 him vertonghen wudnt b hear sounds like danny boy did more then most 2 get jan the man 2the lane in levy i trust!
2 new midfielders, one to replace the heartbeat of the team; a new CB to replace our best defender; a new goal keeper; one, possibly two new strikers; a new formation and system of play (you can't 'evolve' a system; you either stick with the old one or not); mostly new back-room staff (how did Ferdinand survive the cull?); a new training ground; new kit sponsors (okay, I'm pushing it there), but apart from that, yes, just a bit of tweaking. AVB was being gracious when he spoke about building on what the other bloke had done. What he had built, was built on sand. We're going to need to do the job properly this time; without short cuts and pensioners. It may take time.
Much as I'd love to believe that all AVB has to do is add 'one or two' players and a touch of tweaking, the former bloke's short termism, dereliction of duty and tactical incompetence has meant that there can be no evolution, only revolution, and I for one can't wait to see how it all pans out.
I feel so positive after reading this (not that I wasn't already!). It's great to read articles by someone who says it like it is, instead of all the bull that's going round at the moment. I too believe we will do well this season and in future seasons under AVB's watchful eye. He was NEVER given a chance at chel$ki - who are far too impatient (well the owner is anyway). I'd like to wish AVB, Stef and all the lads the best of luck for this coming season. The futures bright, the futures Lilywhite.
COYS
Really pleased to have the Big German in? Very shrewd appointment he will always be happy to be assisstant and he will bring disiplibe and passion, My kinda man.HHXX
Pleased to see the contingent of ex players as back-up. Sherwood, Ferfinand, Allen and now Freund. Mr Levy is not so slow, he's retained the guys who care about the club (got shot of those who didn't) and that can only rub off on the new Management and the Players.
@jc - brilliant point about loanees to swansea.
We would appear to have a clear run at Lloris now, l`arse have done thamselves out of the market with their new away kit. Hope everyone`s seen it? If not do so now it`s the funniest thing since....... the launch of their new home kit.
Good to see there`s clearly a cast iron yid working on Nike`s design team. I may have to go to one of their early season away games just so I can laugh my knob off at them.
Excellent article and very spot on - outlines perfectly everything there is to be positive about the club right now. I too was very impressed and humbled by Friedel's comments - know he's older (and wiser) than most but how refreshing to see a player being realistic rather than living off his ego!!!
Freund has indeed come pretty much out of left field but from everything I'm reading could be an incredibly good move - the sergeant-major to AVB's general if you like. The only thing that does have me wondering about most of the coaching appointments however is that none of them appear to have worked together or with AVB in the past - which is odd, and may need to be given time for them to get used to working with each other.
Either way very excited about next season right now - and am sure the striker situation will be sorted before the season starts - one name not been mentioned in this article/ensuing comments is Sturridge - which if the paper talk of a £10m fee is to be believed could be another very good piece of business - given his record under AVB last year.
That's got all the new Head Coach meet the media, new luxury training centre, new kit , new young promising players photoshoot PR BS out of the way. Can we now have a conveyor belt of established internationals before you shoot off to the USA.
Excellent article as always. Hope we finish 3rd or above this coming season and then push for 1st the following season.
'We must build on Harry's great work," Villas-Boas said this week, bestowing an unexpected gravity on the legacy of a manager who has traditionally been a kind of footballing Cat in the Hat, a tousled and infectious improviser who could probably cook you the most brilliant meal you've ever tasted simply by hurling everything in the fridge into a massive bowl and then flambéing it over a raging fire built from every stick of furniture you own, before abruptly disappearing just as you come round, dazed and hungover, face down in the ashes of what was once your kitchen.'
Barney Ronay in the Guardian. Sums it up triffik.
That's superb.
The journalist(?) in the Guardian quote is a gifted wordsmith and was spot on about the late 'arry. Very funny.