Tottenham Hotspur considered a host of managers this summer, and actually considered a shock move for Rui Vitoria before going for Nuno Espirito Santo.
Duncan Castles reported in April that Tottenham had make contact with Vitoria over replacing compatriot Jose Mourinho.
Tottenham seemed very interested, asking Vitoria’s representatives whether he would be keen to take the job.
Tottenham focused on Paulo Fonseca instead, before eventually picking Nuno as their new boss.
Whilst all the chaos at Tottenham was going on, Vitoria took the Spartak Moscow job – and it’s been a disaster.
Vitoria already under fire at Spartak
Vitoria took the Spartak job in May – a month after contact with Tottenham.
His record with Benfica and Al-Nassr was strong, but Vitoria would have been a left-field move from Tottenham.
Now at Spartak, Vitoria’s winning touch has gone.
Spartak have won just three times in 11 games under Vitoria. With seven defeats in that run, it’s been a dreadful start to the season.
Spartak lost 1-0 at rivals CSKA Moscow on Monday, and the pressure is mounting.
Championat report that, whilst Spartak still trust Vitoria, his departure is a real possibility.
Vitoria batted away comments about his exit, but Eurostavka claim money is the big problem. They state that a clause in Vitoria’s contract means he will be due big money if sacked before November 20th.
That’s a very specific date, but if Spartak are below fifth in the table by then, they can sack Vitoria without a huge payout.
Add in that club legend Alexander Mostovoi claims Vitoria ‘does not understand what is happening’ on the pitch at Spartak and it doesn’t sound like Vitoria has long in the job.
Vitoria’s struggles mean a lucky escape for Tottenham
Tottenham fans aren’t necessarily happy with Nuno Espirito Santo. Two 3-0 defeats to London rivals will always increase the pressure on any Spurs boss.
Yet imagine if this was Tottenham now, struggling to even win a game under Vitoria.
Vitoria always seemed like a bizarre Tottenham target, one that came as a huge surprise.
With Vitoria now struggling in Russia and potentially on the brink, it looks like Tottenham managed a lucky escape.
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