The merits of sacking Martin Jol have been debated ad nauseum, but the fact is that the decision by the Tottenham board to approach Juande Ramos in the preseason sealed the fate of both the manager and his club.Stability is the key to success, but Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy doesn't seem to understand that. Instead, he's gotten the man he wants to run the show.
And things might just work out okay.
Ramos is officially on board, and despite the team's lowly league position the signs are encouraging. One defeat in nine total matches indicates that the Spaniard has at least stopped the rot.
His next challenge will be to restore confidence, and get the team winning regularly.
The next six weeks are crucial for the short-term future of the club. European football is back at The Lane—and to keep the likes of Dimitar Berbatov and attract similar quality players, Europe must be achieved every season.
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With the club safely onto the next phase of this year’s UEFA Cup, the focus will switch to domestic action. Premiership points are vital, but in the big scheme of things Ramos may pay special attention to the Carling and FA Cups.
Winning a trophy will make him an instant hero, and ensure European football next year.
Realistically, a top-six finish looks to be beyond this particular group of players—and Ramos has stated that the January transfer window will only be used to bring in stopgap signings to solidify the side.
Defensively, Spurs have been a shambles this year. Opposition set pieces are torture for Tottenham fans.
But there are signs that things are improving.
Paul Robinson’s crisis of confidence appears to have passed, and the imminent return of Ledley King will add a new dimension to the side. King's importance cannot be overstated—he's a classy defender, and a leader with a cool head in a crisis.
King’s return will lift the team and ease the burden on defensive partner Michael Dawson, who has buckled under the pressure this year.
The bigger challenge will be to get a grip on the midfield, where Spurs are too often overrun by more determined opponents. Any new signings must address this problem.
Of the current crop of players, Didier Zokora has flattered to deceive in his 18 months with the club, and will miss a month for African Nations Cup; Jermaine Jenas has all the ability in the world but can't string two good games together; and Tom Huddlestone is still a raw talent—ridiculously strong and a gifted passer, but too often visibly unfit and lazy on the ball.
Solving this problem may be the key for Ramos.
Goals are a given with the talent in the forward line. Stopping them is essential if Spurs want to get back into the winners circle.
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8 months ago
Anyone who watched Spurs beat Portsmouth for their first away win this season will appreciate they outplayed 'Pompey' and even Harry Redknapp conceeded there was only one team in it. Ramos has demonstrated already that he is in a different class to Martin Jol with his ability both to 'read' a game and decisiveness in taking action to change things quickly on the pitch when needed.
What was stunning on Saturday was the manner in which the game was played by Spurs. We haven't see a determination coupled with toughness and skill like this since I can't remember when! If they can keep this up the future looks bright. Maybe a bit too early to look for a result against Arsenal. That defence still needs some fixing but Kaboul looked so much better. Pity about Bent though. Currently a 'fish out of water'.
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