If you feel that I am over critical of Levy (and not of the team or the manager) than read on. If you agree with what I have been writing about of recent, read on.
As always you start from the top and work down:
Levy:- Originally put on a pedestal for his business dealings, but essentially made a great deal for VDV and got clubs to pay high for a few players. The stadium project looks good on paper but there are no real steps forward (despite what you might read).
Looking back at the time since ENIC's takeover and Levy's arrival he has taken the club forward and for that we must all be grateful, but several high profile errors have seen the chairman's stock drop ... DRAMATICALLY. Transfer failings and knee jerk managerial changes have resulted in setbacks for the club. However for all the errors Levy has made he has brought talent to the club, got us into the Champions League and our best points tally in the clubs history.
Baldini:- At the moment we cannot judge too quickly. Levy handed him a blank cheque book out of sheer panic over losing Bale. Baldini has brought in some great talent, however at the moment it is a little early to tell. If you disagree anyone remember Bale's arrival? If you are given a cheque book first thing is to discuss is where the manager wants to strengthen. As reports suggest Baldini just went out and bought who he thought would improve the team and AVB was left with players he didn't want. Whether this is the case or not the talent that Baldini has brought in is unquestionable...... on paper. I do blame Baldini if he did not consult AVB, however I do not believe that this was the case.
Sherwood:- He should never have been appointed, however I like the guy (for a beer down the pub). As a manager he has no experience to fall back on other than his days on the field. A premier league club needs an experienced manager and I struggle to come up with a name that worked wonders in the EPL in their management debut. Sherwood is lacking in man management and the likes of Capoue has highlighted this. Some media sources claim that he is a breath of fresh air, however the only fresh thing about him is his C.V. Too many times have we seen the cavalier approach to score more goals than the opposition. Sherwood's appointment had an instant impact as he took the shackles off of the team.... who responded well. Now however this has worn off and the team are looking for leadership and direction. Unfortunately this role has come too quickly for Tim. Levy wanted cheap and a quick gap filler, whilst he waits for his real target to become available in the summer. Really the only mistake Tim has genuinely made is accepting the post.
The Team:- I am one for pointing out how poorly a particular player was in a match or across several games. However it is not just one players fault. Is it Soldado's fault he has scored the least amount of goals in a season since a loan spell to Osasuna? Partly, but not entirely. Is it Dembele's fault that he has not played well consistently? Partly, but not entirely. The issue that the team has is that AVB's complex system was taking a long time to master. The style was too complex for the English game and I feel I am justified in saying this (two sackings and numerous squad arguments confirm this). We are yet to find our starting 11 and with the players being inconsistent it is a question of who we can rely on.
On a whole my issue is that we have a glut of talent in the squad and no starting 11, no support, no leadership and no direction from the head down. Everyone is to blame in this, but it could be easy to change.
4-5-1 is not the way forward we have seen this time and time again, but a variation between it and 4-4-2 would be great. Sherwood needs to play a team and train that team and the other players will have to do their best to force their way in.
If I were in charge what would I do? Well I have said this thousands of times and it is as obvious to me as it was back then... maybe I am ahead of my time.
Lloris
Walker Kaboul Chiriches Vertonghen
Sandro
Eriksen
Lennon Townsed
Lamela
Ade
This system provides the support to the back four whilst options in attack. It may look like a 4-5-1 however Lamela can switch between a striker and a support man. Whilst Soldado is not firing on all cylinders we need to give him some incentive to hit form. Lamela needs to be given a chance and there is no better time than ever. Dropping Soldado for Lamela would be the catalyst he needs.
We cannot risk putting a youngster in and heaping the pressure on. Bentaleb has had some good performances, but we must avoid expecting too much and knocking his confidence. In a team that needs a leader dropping him into midfield without one is a poor decision and no voice he is set up to fail.
In case you feel I am contradicting myself with "don't drop in the youngsters", Lamela may be a youngster but he has experience at the highest level. Starter for Roma, international caps and over 4 season of playing in competitive leagues (not youth teams). He is capable of playing well, but again you have to play him in the right position. With pace, close ball control, vision and flair he is perfect to drop in alongside Ade.
So to sum it up the Chairman has let us down (of recent), the DOF it's early days and we have a manager with zero experience. Our team is lost and never had a set starting 11 so what hope have we got?
I am not being negative over this but rather realistic. We have a good squad, but it must be given the right orders and direction, we may have a good manager, but it's way too early to tell anything as it is for our DOF. As for the chairman for me he needs to change or move on (and he is capable of change).
A competitive champion’s league team has dropped off a lot, but there is a team at Tottenham more than capable, it needs the nurturing of an experienced manager.
COYS!!!
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