Bo Svensson has resigned with Mainz bottom of the Bundesliga only a few months after Tottenham Hotspur were reportedly considering a move to bring the Dane to the Premier League.
Many a Spurs fans wouldn’t even consider swapping Ange Postecoglou for Pep Guardiola right now, such is the popularity of the straight-talking Australian in this particular, rather jubilant, corner of the English capital.
Tottenham Hotspur are in the midst of their best ever start to a Premier League season. They are unbeaten after 11 games, winning nine, and perhaps the biggest compliment that can be paid to Postecoglou is that a certain England international has not been missed anywhere near as keenly as was initially feared.
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Tottenham reaping rewards for Postecoglou backing
That somewhat brave decision to put their faith in Postecoglou – a 58-year-old coach who had never before worked in a major European league – looks even more inspired when you factor in the subsequent struggles of the other coaches on Spurs’ wishlist.
Hansi Flick was sacked by Germany in September after a calamitous defeat to Japan. Vincent Kompany has just one win in 10 league games at Burnley. And Bo Svensson, reportedly ‘considered’ for the Tottenham post back in May via ESPN, suddenly finds himself boarding a bus to the nearest job centre, paying the price for Mainz’s dismal start to the new Bundesliga campaign.
Svensson had Mainz overachieving during the first 18 months of his tenure. So much so that a club who unearthed Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel looked to have discovered another managerial gem. But with Mainz now bottom of the Bundesliga – no wins and six defeats from nine games – the 44-year-old’s magic has most certainly worn off.
Bo Svensson leaves Mainz
“It’s a really difficult goodbye, but I feel that the time has come,” Svensson tells the Mainz website. “I’ve been an 05er for 16 years. I’ve learnt an incredible amount, got to know so many amazing people, in the team, the fans, in the city. My kids have grown up here. The experiences I’ve had here will shape me for life.
“Unfortunately, due to the way things are going on the pitch, the time has come for nobody to be seen as above the club. It’s time to pool all the forces together to try and improve the situation. Unfortunately, I won’t be a part of that.”
One-time Huddersfield Town boss Jan Siewert is now taking over at Mainz on an interim basis.
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