Ian Wright agreed that Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United, among other clubs, could ‘take the place’ of Tottenham Hotspur in these coming years amid suggestions that Antonio Conte could be sacked following his outburst from the weekend.
Journalist Darren Lewis suggested that, if Conte is indeed sacked, then Spurs might have to go the other way and appoint a manager, like Roberto De Zerbi, who is doing wonders at Brighton, and not like the previous two trophy-winning coaches they have had.
That will mean a more long-term project by the north London club, but can they afford that?
It was put forward by Darren Lewis that, if Spurs go down that road, then the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea, who are below them in the table this season, will only get ‘stronger’.
Added with someone like Newcastle United, who whilst they are one place below Spurs in the table, are fighting the fourth-placed side for Champions League football.
Either way, Ian Wright agreed ‘all of them’ are going to improve and get stronger if Spurs have to go down the road of bringing in a De Zerbi-esque manager, as he told Premier League Productions (20/03/23 at 2:20 pm).
Darren Lewis: “The problem for Spurs, in PR terms, him (Conte) leaving. If you lose a guy that’s a serial winner, who goes to clubs and works with good players and then gets them to achieve their objectives. Where do you go after that?
“You are going to go back to project managing. You are going to go to a guy, let’s say, for argument’s sake, (Roberto) De Zerbi. You have to give him a long time. But in that time Arsenal are going to get stronger. Liverpool. Newcastle are probably going to take their place in the top four. So, you have to have a guy and give him the weaponry to win now.”
Wright responded: “All of them are. Chelsea. All of them (are going to improve, get stronger and take Tottenham’s place).”
TOTTENHAM AT A CROSSROADS
Two trophy-laden coaches (Jose Mourinho and Conte) have been in the Hotspur Way dugout, but no trophies added. An ageing squad. Harry Kane is close to having 12 months left to run on his contract. And Tottenham fans’ relationship, with those running the ship, is getting worse by the week.
It’s not looking good for the club and they are now at a crossroads.
Whilst a long-term build is needed when Conte makes his expected exit, things will become more problematic if Kane also leaves in the summer.
There is no doubt, with his 21 Premier League goals this season, he has papered over many cracks, and without him, you dread to think where Spurs will end up.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
