The Portuguese managed Tottenham Hotspur on 80 occasions in all competitions.
Surprisingly given the success that Mauricio Pochettino has enjoyed since joining Tottenham Hotspur, the Argentinian is not the club’s most successful manager since the beginning of the Premier League era when it comes to their win percentage in all competitions.
That honours goes to Andre Villas-Boas, who oversaw 80 games during his time at White Hart Lane. And to mark the Portuguese’s 39th birthday, here is a look at the story of his tenure along with some of the defining images from his spell.
Despite a hugely disappointing spell at Stamford Bridge, the former Chelsea boss was appointed as Harry Redknapp’s successor during the summer ahead of the 2012/13 season.
Andre Villas-Boas being unveiled as Tottenham boss in 2012
His time in charge would not get off to the best start as Spurs were beaten 2-1 away at Newcastle on the opening day of the campaign. Hatem Ben Arfa secured the winner 10 minutes from time, just four minutes after Jermain Defoe had equalised.
Tottenham’s players ahead of the Newcastle game
One of his first wins in the Premier League came at Old Trafford as Spurs beat Manchester United 3-2. Clint Dempsey bagged what turned out to be the winner.
Villas-Boas and Clint Dempsey celebrating Tottenham’s win over Manchester United
Unfortunately for Villas-Boas, he missed an opportunity to get one over on his former employers as Chelsea left White Hart Lane with a 4-2 win in October. Spurs had led 2-1 at one stage, but a Juan Mata brace and Daniel Sturridge goal saw the old Blues boss beaten for just the second time.
Villas-Boas on the touchline alongside his successor Roberto Di Matteo
A poor run in early November culminated in defeat in the North London derby. Spurs had taken the lead at the Emirates, but fell to a 5-2 loss.
Villas Boas and Michael Dawson (L) after the final whistle against Arsenal
A much more positive spell after the New Year was perhaps best remembered for a moment of brilliance from Gareth Bale at Upton Park in February. His long-range strike in the dying minutes handed Tottenham a 3-2 win. Revenge in the North London derby was secured in their next game.
Villas Boas and his players celebrate their third goal scored by Gareth Bale against West Ham
Spurs finished the season with a 10 game unbeaten run, though, they were beaten by Basel on penalties in the Europa League. The high point of that run came in a 3-1 win over Manchester City. Three goals in the final 15 minutes secured the three points for Spurs.
Villas Boas (R) and assistant head coach Steffen Freund celebrating at full time against Manchester City
After a 5th place finish in his first season, the last thing Villas-Boas would have needed was to lose his best player. But after a summer of speculation, Gareth Bale did complete his move to Real Madrid.
Gareth Bale unveiled by Real Madrid
While Tottenham won 12 of their first 15 games of the new season, it was the defeats that were arguably more notable. Ravel Morrison inspired West Ham to a 3-0 win at White Hart Lane.
Ravel Morrison (C) scores West Ham’s third goal against Tottenham
By November, Spurs’ bright start in the Europa League was being overshadowed by their struggles in the Premier League. A 6-0 defeat away at Manchester City hinted the end may be nigh for Villas-Boas.
Paulinho looking dejected against Manchester City
As mentioned, Tottenham’s form in Europe was much more impressive as they booked their place in the knockout rounds after winning all six of their group-stages matches, including a 4-1 over Anzhi which saw Roberto Soldado bag a hat-trick.
Soldado with Villas Boas after striker had scored hat-trick against Anzhi
A 5-0 defeat at home to Liverpool in December 2013 proved to be the final straw for Villas-Boas. He was dismissed the next day and was replaced by Tim Sherwood.
Villas Boas was dismissed shortly after the 5-0 defeat to Liverpool
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