Trevor Sinclair has noted on Twitter the only worthwhile difference between Nuno Espirito Santo and Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspur tenures is the form of Harry Kane.
The former West Ham and England striker’s verdict came in response to Jamie Carragher explaining why Spurs ultimately sacked Nuno. Daniel Levy relieved the Portuguese of his command on Monday after losing five of 10 Premier League games in charge.
The axe fell following a 3-0 defeat against Manchester United on Sunday, when Spurs were outplayed in almost every area. Sparking resounding jeers from fans, after a poor attacking and defensive display at home to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s struggling side.
Reports by The Sun claim sacking Nuno will cost £5m, as Tottenham turn to Antonio Conte as his replacement. Carragher does not believe Spurs were wrong to fire the former Wolves boss. And has explained why he was not afforded the same time as Pochettino.
Carragher makes Nuno – Pochettino comparison
Carragher compared Nuno and Pochettino’s records after 10 Premier League games in charge at Tottenham on Sky Sports on Monday. Noting the Portuguese had more wins (5) and points (15) than the now-PSG boss (4 wins, 14 points). But the displays proved costly.
He said: “The reasons why Pochettino survived is because there was always something to get behind in terms of performances. And that’s what really let Nuno down.”
Going on to compare their ranking for goals, with Nuno’s Tottenham 19th in the top-flight to Pochettino’s Spurs ranking ninth. Nuno’s also ranked 17th for expected goals to fifth for Pochettino’s, under whom the north Londoners took more touches in the opposition’s box (sixth-most to 14th) and conceded fewer goals (ninth-least to 14th).
Sinclair issues Tottenham, Kane verdict
But Sinclair seemingly disagreed with Carragher’s justification for Tottenham sacking Nuno and comparing the Portuguese’s record with Pochettino’s. Believing the only comparison worth making is the form of Kane under the two managers while in charge of Spurs.
“Poch had an in form and committed Kane, Nuno didn’t!” Sinclair exclaimed. “The only difference worth mentioning, J.”
Kane scored just once in nine Premier League outings under Nuno after failing to leave Tottenham this summer. The England captain told Levy at the end of last term he wished to be sold, per Sky Sports. But no club rose to the Spurs chief’s reported £150m asking price.
The 28-year-old’s lacklustre performances have since sparked numerous claims about his efforts and commitment to Spurs. With Jamie O’Hara suggesting Kane’s ‘not interested’ after his performance in what was Nuno’s final match in charge at Tottenham.
But Kane was not prolific under Pochettino at first, either, with just two goals in his first nine league appearances. He only started the last of those three, however.
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