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Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo saw Jose Mourinho as a mentor, who coached him at Porto and played in the 1996 Olympics
by Philippa Kaur 30 June 2021, 20:56
IT’s now the turn of the apprentice to take over from the mentor.Nuno Espirito Santo, 47, is the new Spurs manager, after his four-year spell at Wolves came to an end back in May.
Nuno Espirito Santo has taken over the reigns at TottenhamCredit: Getty
Former Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho has been a mentor for Nuno throughout his playing and management careerCredit: PA:Empics Sport
As a player, Nuno played between the sticks for clubs including PortoCredit: AFP
Several other bosses, including Paulo Fonseca, Antonio Conte and Gennaro Gattuso were all linked with the vacant North London job, before turning Daniel Levy’s advances down.
Ironically, Nuno’s mentor before he became a manager was Tottenham’s former gaffer Mourinho, who the ‘Bearded One’ played under at Porto.
They also share the same agent in Jorge Mendes, who Nuno met in the late 1990s.
PLAYING CAREER
Espirito Santo was a goalkeeper in his playing days, but spent a lot of time playing second-fiddle to a No1.
After beginning his career at Vitoria SC, the 6ft 2in shotstopper met Mendes in 1996, who owned a video shop and ran a nightclub.
Nuno became Mendes’ first client, and in 1997 he brokered a deal that would take the ambitious goalie to LaLiga’s Deportivo La Coruna for a fee of around £1million.
He spent three of his six seasons there as Cameroon goalkeeper Jacques Songo’o’s understudy, and was loaned out to clubs including Merida and Osasuna.
A return to his homeland was inevitable.
Nuno was Jorge Mendes’ first sporting client
During his player career, Nuno was best remembered for being a No2
Nuno often played second fiddle to a No1 and warmed the benchCredit: AP
WORKING UNDER MOURINHO
In 2002, Mendes orchestrated a deal worth around £3million that brought Nuno back to Portugal with Porto.
In two years, he only played six times for the Portuguese giants – playing second fiddle to Vitor Baia.
But, in Mourinho, he had a man who respected him. Despite a lack of first-team football, Espirito Santo never complained or argued. More importantly, he continued to train hard and wasn’t disruptive towards the team.
It was fitting that Jose would allow his substitute goalkeeper to take a penalty during a 2003 Taca de Portugal match against Varzim SC in a 7-0 rout. He scored too.
Nuno, for his part, also revered Mourinho.
Although he was an unused sub against Monaco in the Champions League final, the No2 was thankful for what his teacher taught him – giving him that winning habit needed to succeed.
Nuno played for Porto in two separate spells between 2002-04 and 2007-10 playing a total of just 14 gamesCredit: Rex
In 2004, Nuno was an unused sub in the Champions League final won by PortoCredit: Rex
Former Portugal team-mates Pepe and Nuno share a joke in trainingCredit: AP
Nuno foils Frank Lampard during a Champions League tie in 2004Credit: AFP
Espirito Santo told Sky Sports: “When you speak about Jose Mourinho, personally he has an impact on me. Because I was a member of the [Porto] squad in 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 at Porto. That will stay forever.
“When you have someone that manages, coaches you and you follow, and you believe and you do everything that you can because you believe in that idea in your leader – that stays forever.
“That is the impact Jose Mourinho had on me. I think with every member of that squad he taught us how to win so that will stay forever.”
A TIME FOR MANAGEMENT
Working under Mourinho also inspired Nuno to go into coaching.
So, when he called time on his career at 36, a career that saw him represent Portugal at the 1996 Olympics and get a call-up to the Euro 2008 squad, it was natural he would take up a post where he could pass on his experience.
He joined former Porto manager Jesualdo Ferreira at Malaga as a goalkeeping coach, before they both moved to Greek side Panathinaikos FC in 2010.
However, in 2012 Nuno branched out on his own when Rio Ave sacked Carlos Brito.
In 2012, Nuno landed his first manager job at Rio AveCredit: AFP
Rio Ave’s stars toss Nuno in the air after reaching the final of the Portuguese CupCredit: AFP
Working for the underdog seemed to suit the rookie coach, who guided the club to both the Taça de Portugal and Taça da Liga finals in his second season as boss, as well as a Europa League qualification for the first time in their history.
It was a matter of time before the big boys would begin to circle.
RETURN TO SPAIN, THEN A HOMECOMING
Nuno might’ve felt he had unfinished business in Spain, after a failed playing career.
So in 2014, he signed a one-year deal with LaLiga giants Valencia, who he led to fourth place in his first season.
Inevitably, an extension to his contract was inked – but in his second campaign he felt the pressure.
A poor start in both the league and Champions League saw Nuno resign from his post.
But in 2016, he was back with Porto – where he had enjoyed so much success – and was hopeful of bringing the Mourinho glory days back.
Sadly, it didn’t work out as Nuno would’ve liked. Finishing runners-up in the league and without any silverware, he was relieved of his duties, heart-breaking for a man who loved the club as much as he did.
At Valencia, after a promising start, Nuno resigned from his postCredit: Getty
Nuno, pictured with Porto president Jorge Pinto da Costa, was fired by the Portuguese giants after a campaign that ended without a trophyCredit: AFP
ENGLAND CALLING
It could be argued that Nuno’s best spell as a manager was his most recent, although parting by mutual consent in the summer might’ve left a bitter taste, but was perhaps necessary for Wolves to progress.
In 2017, he was named Wanderers boss – with the club still looking back at past achievements and languishing in the Championship.
Espirito Santo led the club to the Premier League after a six-year absence in his first season.
The following year, they took the Premier League by storm – with Portuguese stars Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves pulling the strings.
The club finished seventh in the 2018–19 league season – their highest Premier League rank and their highest in the English top flight since the 1979–80 season, which also got them Europa League qualification.
The locals were enamoured – joking his beard had mystical powers. The University of Wolverhampton awarded Nuno an Honorary Doctorate in Sport.
Nuno holds the Championship trophy after achieving promotion with WolvesCredit: REUTERS
At the end of the campaign, Nuno bid an emotional farewell to the club who loved himCredit: PA
Nuno repeated the trick in 2019-20, once against finishing seventh and gaining Europa League qualification.
They also reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League, but his third campaign in the Premier League saw standards slip.
Injury to Raul Jimenez, as well as the sale of Diogo Jota to Liverpool, hurt his cause, with the side limping to 13th. They were in sixth place until his horrific cracked skull injury in December ended his season, and effectively theirs.
But Nuno knew it was best to part with his Midlands love affair, after such a stellar job.
And now a challenge at Spurs awaits. The question is; will Nuno bring success he had at Rio Ave and Wolves to North London? Or, will it be another Porto car-crash and end in hasty fashion?
Whatever happens, he will bring a winning mentality with him like his mentor Mourinho.
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Spurs manager target Paulo Fonseca is married to TV host Katerina, 18 years his junior, and loves masked film hero Zorro
by Philippa Kaur 16 June 2021, 15:20
LITTLE-KNOWN Paulo Fonseca is expected to be announced as the new manager at Spurs, and fans can expect a swashbuckling ride next season.The former Roma boss, 48, is reportedly close to being confirmed as the new Tottenham manager.
Paulo Fonseca is reportedly on the verge of being named Spurs bossCredit: Rex
Portuguese manager Fonseca grew up in poverty and was obsessed with Zorro as a kidCredit: AP:Associated Press
Glam Fonseca cuts a suave figure with his stunning wife Katerina, 18 years his younger
As a kid, the Portuguese coach admittedly grew up in poverty in Mozambique, Africa.
His hero was the masked movie hero Zorro, who a young Fonseca would dress up as as a kid.
In 2017, he once appeared in the character’s costume at a press conference while in charge of Shakhtar Donetsk.
A year later, he married the love of his life – Katerina Ostroushko – who is 18 years his junior.
OUT OF AFRICA
Fonseca was born in Nampula, Mozambique in 1973, two years before the African colony gained its independence from Portugal.
His family lived in Africa until he was 14, before moving to Barreiro – a city of just 80,000 people near Lisbon.
It’s where he began in interest in football, and would later enjoy his best years as a professional playing for local side F.C. Barreirense.
But alongside his love of the beautiful game, Fonseca obsessed over his favourite TV show Zorro.
Don Diego de la Vega, better known as masked crusader Zorro, in the 1950s TV hitCredit: Getty – Contributor
Made in the 1950s, the series followed the adventures of Don Diego de la Vega, who opposes the corrupt tyrants of Southern California as the masked swordsman riding horses Phantom and Tornado, alongside sidekick Bernardo.
As a youngster, Fonseca would often dress up as Zorro. And it was something he would repeat in his older years.
ZORRO RETURNS
If Shakhtar Donetsk qualified for the Champions League knockout stages back in 2017, Fonseca declared he would dress up in full Zorro costume.
Placed in a difficult group with Manchester City, Napoli and Feyenoord it was a daunting task.
However, after defeating City a runners-up spot was secured. Fonseca stayed true to his word.
He donned the costume for his post-match press conference – wearing a big smile on his face.
After defeating Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, Fonseca’s Shakhtar Donetsk qualified for the Champions League last-16Credit: PA:Press Association
Fonseca, true to his word, dressed up in a Zorro outfit during a press conference in a nod to his days growing up in MozambiqueCredit: AP:Associated Press
“It was my favourite outfit as a kid,” he explained to reporters.
“As a kid we were poor, and if you were poor Zorro was the easiest mask to create for Carnival.”
A YOUNG MAN’S GAME
In 2018, Fonseca said ‘I do’ to the love of his life, Ukrainian beauty Katerina.
She was the former press secretary of Shakhtar owner Rinat Akhmetov, before she quit her job and moved to Rome when Fonseca was offered a post in Serie A.
They met a year before their romantic and intimate Lako Como wedding in front of friends and family, who flew in from Portugal and Ukraine.
The glam couple, who are often seen looking loved-up in stylised pictures on her Instagram, welcomed a son in 2019.
Fonseca was previously married to longterm partner Sandra, and the pair had two children together.
In 2017, Fonseca met stunning Ukrainian beauty Katerina
Katerina is 18 years younger than Fonseca
Katerina is a former press secretary of Shakhtar Donetsk owner Rinat Akhmetov
“He loves all of his three children dearly, he’s an ideal dad,” she told Italian publication Wedding Industry Academy.
“He spends every spare minute he has with Martin, who is absolutely crazy about his father and I sometimes feel jealous.”
MANAGEMENT
Following a career mostly playing second and third division at centre back for clubs including C.F. Os Belenenses and C.S. Marítimo, Fonseca retired at 32.
Immediately, he made the move to get into coaching – and spent two years with the Estrela de Amadora youth side.
Several modest roles later, the ambitious coach scored his first major job at F.C. Paços de Ferreira in 2012, after a successful spell at second division team C.D. Aves.
He guided the club to third in the Portuguese top flight, which meant Paços qualified for their first ever Champions League.
Fonseca’s first trophy as a manager was the 2013 Portuguese Super Cup – won with PortoCredit: Rex
At Braga, Fonseca won the Portuguese domestic cupCredit: AFP
An unsuccessful period at Porto followed, where he won his first ever trophy as a boss (2013 Portuguese Super Cup) but was sacked in his only season in charge – months before the season ended.
He returned to Paços, before scoring another big gig at Braga, who he led to fourth and won the domestic cup – winning plaudits for their attacking play.
TO UKRAINE WITH LOVE
Between 2016-19, Fonseca enjoyed his most successful years in coaching at Shakhtar Donetsk.
His record speaks for itself. In the three seasons he was there he won the Ukrainian double every time.
While in the Champions League, Shakhtar managed a last-16 place during the 2017-18 season.
Again, plenty of plaudits came Fonseca’s way for the expansive and fearless way his team played.
In 2016 Fonseca embarked on a journey to the Ukraine with Shakhtar DonetskCredit: Getty
In his three seasons at Shakhtar Fonseca was praised for his attacking style of playCredit: Rex
Possession-based football was key to his success – with defenders playing a high-line and wing-backs pushing forward.
He was soon to welcome the biggest job of his life.
ROMA
After achieving everything he could at Shakhtar, Fonseca was offered the opportunity to coach in Serie A – one that he couldn’t refuse.
It was a job where his defensive limitations as a coach were exposed. Overall, his Roma team let in 139 goals in his 102 games in charge.
But his first year was somewhat of a success, where he led Roma to fifth in the league.
An exit in the last-16 of the Europa League can be excused, given they fell to eventual winners Sevilla.
However, the following year, with new owners the Friedkin Group running things, it just got tougher.
Struggling in the league, and looking unlikely to achieve the target of Champions League qualification domestically, hopes were pinned on a Europa League run.
Fonseca was brought in at Roma to help the club qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: Rex
A 6-2 thrashing at Old Trafford was the final nail in the coffin for Fonseca, who was relieved of his duties at Roma in his second seasonCredit: Rex
Is Fonseca the man to bring back the glory days at Tottenham?Credit: Rex
Paulo Fonseca has a point to prove after being sacked by RomaCredit: Rex
A 6-2 thumping at Manchester United was the nail in the coffin for the Portuguese, and it was announced he would leave the job at the end of the season and make-way, ironically, for ex-Spurs boss Jose Mourinho.
Fonseca is now a man with a point to prove. And not only will he have to justify his appointment by getting Spurs back on track after a disappointing campaign, he might have to do it without the want-away Harry Kane.
Like Zorro, he will have to be up for the fight. More
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Spurs manager target Erik ten Hag lives above supermarket, studies Guardiola’s teams and loves Van Gaal and Cruyff
by Philippa Kaur 1 June 2021, 13:36
ERIK TEN HAG famously lives above a supermarket in Amsterdam, but the only shelf he wants to stack is his club’s trophy cabinet.The Ajax boss, who is reportedly a manager target for Daniel Levy and Tottenham, landed his second Eredivisie title with the Dutch giants last month.
Erik ten Hag is the unknown Dutchman who has revived European giants AjaxCredit: PA:Empics Sport
The quiet Dutchman, fairly unknown across the continent after a 13-year playing career in Holland, has revived the glory days at Ajax with a vibrant young team.
In 2019, with a side that featured homegrown talents like Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Donny van de Beek and Hakim Ziyech, he reached a Champions League semi-final.
Ten hag, a keen golfer with a high-pitched voice, worked wonders given Ajax had not even competed in the knockout stages since 2005-06.
Having already surpassed par, Ten Hag is becoming a Master. That’s why should Levy miss out on bringing Mauricio Pochettino back to the club from PSG, the Dutchman is serious contender for the hot-seat, even though he recently signed a contract extension to his current Ajax deal.
AJAX ICONS
On the wall of his modest office at the club’s De Toekomst training ground hang photos of Johan Cruyff, Rinus Michels and Louis van Gaal.
In an era when Ajax are surrounded by financially beefed up opponents, he has ensured the club have stayed competitive. This season, they were narrowly beaten by Roma in the Europa League quarter-final.
So how has the former centre-back from a rural town in Twente transformed their fortunes?
Ten Hag’s education in coaching goes some way to explain.
In 2013, having spent his entire career in Holland, he moved abroad to work with the master of management.
At Bayern Munich, ten Hag cut his coaching teeth with the reserves while watching closely as Pep Guardiola revolutionised the German giants’ style.
“Every day I get to work with him, I look forward to it. He inspires me,” he gushed.
Ten Hag worked closely with Pep Guardiola for two years as Bayern Munich II’s managerCredit: Getty – Contributor
Ten Hag is a disciple of Guardiola with his focus on attacking and attractive footballCredit: AFP or licensors
And his approach to training shows ten Hag is a disciple of Guardiola, such is the obsession with detail.
He has a particular focus on the character of a player.
Ten Hag will note down how each individual responds to minor errors, losing the ball or committing a foul, and works out the mentality of his team to suit their opponent.
Before being appointed at Ajax in 2017, these skills helped him guide Utrecht into the Europa League.DEVELOPING YOUTH
Ten Hag suited Ajax due to his ability to nurture young talent into stars.
Frenkie de Jong, 21, joined Barcelona in a deal worth £65million in 2019. Matthijs de Ligt, 19, joined Juventus for the same fee – boosting the club’s coffers.
Ten Hag played a key role in the development of players like Memphis Depay, at PSV, and Marko Arnautovic, at FC Twente.
He transformed Depay from a central midfielder to a wide position, with the coach’s focus constantly on attacking and attractive football.
Yet, Ten Hag is also able to identify what his team needs.
Among his youthful stars, are seasoned veterans including former Man United man Daley Blind and ex-Southampton midfielder Dusan Tadic.
Both were brought in 2018 by Ten Hag to redress the team’s inexperience.
Ten Hag’s first managerial job was with Dutch side Go Ahead EaglesCredit: Getty – Contributor
Ten Hag rose to prominence in Holland by taking Utrecht to the Europa LeagueCredit: Rex Features
Former defender Ten Hag focuses on developing youth by gaining their trustCredit: Getty – Contributor
The Dutchman has spoken of his lofty ambitions to manage a bigger club.
And with Ajax about to be crowned champions for a second time under ten Hag, he might feel his work in Amsterdam is done.
Could a new challenge in the Premier League with Spurs await him?
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PSG determined to hold on to Mauricio Pochettino despite Tottenham being ‘in talks over emotional reunion’
by Philippa Kaur 27 May 2021, 15:13
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN are going to fight hard to keep Mauricio Pochettino amid Tottenham’s bid to re-sign their former manager.That is according to The Independent, who claim that PSG’s stance could block an emotional reunion between Pochettino and the north Londoners.
Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with a return to TottenhamCredit: AFP
The Argentine turned Spurs into a top side during his five-year stint at the helm.
After his arrival from Southampton in 2014 he made them top four contenders and led them to the 2019 Champions League Final.
However, the 49-year-old was sacked just a few months after the final defeat to Liverpool due to a poor run of results before joining PSG last January.
The former Espanyol manager was replaced at Tottenham by Jose Mourinho, who was also sacked in April.
SunSport exclusively revealed Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is now considering bringing Pochettino back and talks are reportedly ongoing.
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However, PSG want to hold on to their manager even though he lost the Ligue 1 title to shock winners Lille.
The Parisians still believe in Pochettino, who won the French Cup in his maiden season, and don’t want to offload another top coach after Thomas Tuchel.
But the Argentine has reportedly found coaching at PSG “more of a headache than expected”.
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The talented boss and his staff felt at home in London but have yet to settle in Paris with most of their time spent in hotels.
Pochettino is also concerned with the power structure at the club as he feels it doesn’t allow him much influence.
The manager and his staff are reportedly feeling like there is unfinished business at Tottenham and their contract, which runs out next year, is not considered too tough to get out of.
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Tottenham announce Danny Rose and Paulo Gazzaniga are being released at end of season and available on free transfers
by Philippa Kaur 27 May 2021, 14:23
TOTTENHAM have confirmed that Danny Rose and Paulo Gazzaniga will leave the club when their contracts run out in the summer.The two players’ deals expires on June 30 and they will be available on a free once the summer transfer window opens.
Danny Rose and Paulo Gazzaniga are set to leave TottenhamCredit: Getty
The club shared the following announcement on Twitter: “The club can confirm the departures of Danny Rose and Paulo Gazzaniga following the conclusion of their contracts.
“We thank Danny and Paulo for their service and wish them well for the future.”
Rose returned to north London last year following a short loan stint at Newcastle where he only managed 13 appearances for Steve Bruce’s side.
Former Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho then omitted the left-back from the season’s Premier League and Europa League squads, meaning he didn’t play at all for the senior team.
The 30-year-old joined Spurs in 2007 from Leeds and went through various different loan stints at Watford, Peterborough United, Bristol City and Sunderland.
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The Club can confirm the departures of Danny Rose and Paulo Gazzaniga following the conclusion of their contracts.We thank Danny and Paulo for their service and wish them well for the future.#THFC ⚪️ #COYS— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 27, 2021
The ex-England international found his groove in 2013 when he established himself in Spurs’ starting line-up.
Rose went on to amass a total of 10 goals and 29 assists in 214 appearances across all competitions.
However, the defender grew frustrated with a lack of playing time upon Mourinho’s arrival in 2019 and expressed his concerns to the Portuguese manager, as shown in Amazon’s recent All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur documentary.
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That led to his temporary move to St James’ Park before his omission from the incoming Roma boss, who has since been replaced by Rose’s former team-mate Ryan Mason on an interim basis.
Gazzaniga joined Tottenham from Southampton in 2017 as a reserve keeper to Hugo Lloris.
The Argentina international only managed 37 appearances, picking up 10 clean sheets in the process.
The 29-year-old spent this season on loan at Elche where he also failed to stand out with only eight appearances for Fran Escriba’s side.
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Six Tottenham players who tried to force a move away from the club like Harry Kane, including Berbatov and Modric
by Philippa Kaur 21 May 2021, 14:26
IT’S happening again.Tottenham have been rocked by the news that their talisman Harry Kane, 27, wants to leave the club.
Harry Kane has said he wants to leave TottenhamCredit: Getty
Kane has NOT handed in a written transfer request but his representatives have reportedly made it known he wants out and he believes that Levy will let him leave at the right price.
And that’s sparked a tug-of-war between Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea for the England international’s services – with a bid of £120million said to be enough to tempt Levy to cash in.
Now Kane isn’t the first Spurs star to try and force a move away from the North London giants.
He joins six others who wanted to leave the Premier League side.
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN
In 2019, the Danish playmaker gave an exclusive interview to Danish outlet Ekstra Bladet revealing that he was ready to leave Spurs – with just a year left on his contract.
“I feel that I am at a stage of my career where I would like to try something new,” he said.
“I have the deepest respect for everything that is happening at Tottenham and it would not be something negative to stay. But I have also said that I would like to try something new.”
Eriksen refused to sign a new deal, and eventually in the January transfer window in 2020 he got a move away to Serie A giants Inter Milan – with Spurs only receiving £20million for a player worth at least double that fee.
In 2019, Christian Eriksen declared that he wanted a new challengeCredit: Reuters
Eriksen signed for Inter Milan in January 2020 for a bargain £20m feeCredit: Getty
DIMITAR BERBATOV
Similar to Kane, Spurs relied upon the Bulgarian striker’s goals to win games.
However, in 2008 – when Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson made Berbatov his chief transfer target and said he expected to sign him – all hell broke loose.
Spurs reported United to the Premier League alleging they broke rules by tapping up Berbatov.
The forward, himself, went on strike and refused to play in games against Sunderland and Chelsea in the first month of the season.
On September 1, deadline day, Berbatov got his move for a substantial £30million fee.
Like Kane, Dimitar Berbatov was a talisman for SpursCredit: Getty
Berbatov went on strike to secure a move to Manchester United in 2008Credit: AFP
LUKA MODRIC
One of Tottenham’s best players in the modern era, Croatian Modric always saw Spurs as a stepping stone for something better.
In 2011, the mercurial midfielder held talks with Roman Abramovich on his yacht for a sensational crosstown move to Chelsea and wanted to leave.
He said: “I would like to go to Chelsea. It is one of the best clubs in the world, and I would like to play there. ”
However, Luka revealed that chairman Levy stood firm by rejecting three bids from their London rivals and he was forced to stay another season.
One year later, Modric was off to Madrid for £30million.
Luka Modric had his head turned by Chelsea in 2011Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
A year later, Modric move to Real Madrid for £30mCredit: AFP
MICHAEL CARRICK
In 2006, midfielder Carrick’s time at White Hart Lane had come to an end.
A £20million move to Manchester United was finalised – after Carrick rejected a new contract with two years left on his deal.
“This is a move that Michael wants to make,” former Spurs boss Martin Jol told the club’s official website.
“We have given him every reason to stay but he has asked to be allowed to leave.”
In terms of success, it was the best move Carrick could make.
He won five Premier League titles with the Red Devils, as well as the Champions League.
Michael Carrick rejected a new contract at Spurs in 2006Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Carrick moved to Man Utd, where he won the Premier League five timesCredit: Getty – Contributor
SOL CAMPBELL
Probably the most famous Bosman ruling transfer ever.
In 2001, ex-England defender Campbell used the new form of player power to orchestrate a move to fierce rivals Arsenal.
After growing disillusioned with life at Tottenham, he refused to sign a contract with the club he was at since a boy.
Worse still for Spurs fans, he decided to sign a deal with rivals Arsenal because he “wanted to win things.”
And he did too. A double in his first season.
Sol Campbell became disillusioned with life at SpursCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
In 2001 he left for rivals Arsenal on a free transfer and won the double in his first seasonCredit: Getty
DANNY ROSE
It was certainly a highlight of Amazon’s All Or Nothing documentary.
Former Leeds full-back Danny Rose and Jose Mourinho were involved in a heated spat that was caught on camera.
The ex-England international was livid that he was frozen out by the Portuguese gaffer and demanded to leave.
A year prior, Rose did say that he had no intention of signing a new contract with the club and wanted to leave on a free transfer anyway.
He moved to Newcastle on loan, but a permanent move failed to materialise.
Incredibly, Rose is still at Spurs – albeit in exile.
After an epic fallout with former boss Jose Mourinho, Danny Rose wanted to quit SpursCredit: Getty
Amazingly, Rose is still at Spurs despite doing his best to leaveCredit: Reuters
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Tottenham manager target Erik ten Hag lives above supermarket, is a Guardiola disciple and loves Van Gaal and Cruyff
by Philippa Kaur 29 April 2021, 10:41
ERIK TEN HAG famously lives above a supermarket in Amsterdam, but the only shelf he wants to stack is his club’s trophy cabinet.The Ajax boss, who is reportedly set for talks with Daniel Levy about the vacant Tottenham job, is closing in on his second Eredivisie title with the Dutch giants.
Erik ten Hag is the unknown Dutchman who has revived European giants AjaxCredit: PA:Empics Sport
The quiet Dutchman, fairly unknown across the continent after a 13-year playing career in Holland, has revived the glory days at Ajax with a vibrant young team.
In 2019, with a team that featured homegrown talents like Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Donny van de Beek and Hakim Ziyech, he reached a Champions League semi-final.
Ten hag, a keen golfer with a high-pitched voice, worked wonders given Ajax had not even competed in the knockout stages since 2005-06.
Having already surpassed par, Ten Hag is becoming a Master.
AJAX ICONS
On the wall of his modest office at the club’s De Toekomst training ground hang photos of Johan Cruyff, Rinus Michels and Louis van Gaal.
In an era when Ajax are surrounded by financially beefed up opponents, he has ensured the club have stayed competitive. This season, they were narrowly beaten by Roma in the Europa League quarter-final.
So how has the former centre-back from a rural town in Twente transformed their fortunes?
Ten Hag’s education in coaching goes some way to explain.
In 2013, having spent his entire career in Holland, he moved abroad to work with the master of management.
At Bayern Munich, ten Hag cut his coaching teeth with the reserves while watching closely as Pep Guardiola revolutionised the German giants’ style.
“Every day I get to work with him, I look forward to it. He inspires me,” he gushed.
Ten Hag worked closely with Pep Guardiola for two years as Bayern Munich II’s managerCredit: Getty – Contributor
Ten Hag is a disciple of Guardiola with his focus on attacking and attractive footballCredit: AFP or licensors
And his approach to training shows ten Hag is a disciple of Guardiola, such is the obsession with detail.
He has a particular focus on the character of a player.
Ten Hag will note down how each individual responds to minor errors, losing the ball or committing a foul, and works out the mentality of his team to suit their opponent.
Before being appointed at Ajax in 2017, these skills helped him guide Utrecht into the Europa League.DEVELOPING YOUTH
Ten Hag suited Ajax due to his ability to nurture young talent into stars.
Frenkie de Jong, 21, joined Barcelona in a deal worth £65million in 2019. Matthijs de Ligt, 19, joined Juventus for the same fee – boosting the club’s coffers.
Ten Hag played a key role in the development of players like Memphis Depay, at PSV, and Marko Arnautovic, at FC Twente.
He transformed Depay from a central midfielder to a wide position, with the coach’s focus constantly on attacking and attractive football.
Yet, Ten Hag is also able to identify what his team needs.
Among his youthful stars, are seasoned veterans including former Man United man Daley Blind and ex-Southampton midfielder Dusan Tadic.
Both were brought in 2018 by Ten Hag to redress the team’s inexperience.
Ten Hag’s first managerial job was with Dutch side Go Ahead EaglesCredit: Getty – Contributor
Ten Hag rose to prominence in Holland by taking Utrecht to the Europa LeagueCredit: Rex Features
Former defender Ten Hag focuses on developing youth by gaining their trustCredit: Getty – Contributor
The Dutchman has spoken of his lofty ambitions to manage a bigger club.
And with Ajax about to be crowned champions for a second time under ten Hag, he might feel his work in Amsterdam is done.
Could a new challenge in the Premier League with Spurs await him?
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Tottenham interim manager Ryan Mason’s fiancee Rachel Peters supported him through dark days after horrific head injury
by Philippa Kaur 28 April 2021, 08:04
WHEN Ryan Mason was named interim boss at Spurs, first to congratulate him was his supportive fiancee Rachel Peters.”I’m bursting with happiness for you,” she wrote captioning a photo of the former England midfielder on Instagram.
Ryan Mason’s fiancee Rachel Peters has been his rock since retiringCredit: Instagram @rachelspeters
Brunette Rachel supported Mason through his recovery from a horrific head injuryCredit: Instagram @rachelspeters
“Well done my love,” she added.
It was the pinnacle of the journey the two have been on since Mason, 29, suffered a life-threatening head injury that forced him to retire.
Rachel was Mason’s support through his horror ordeal, as he recovered from a fractured skull.
A SELF-CONFESSED GEEK
Describing herself as a “a geek, with my nose in a book” to The Guardian back in 2019, Rachel studied business and economics at Lancaster University before meeting her husband-to-be in her third year.
She wasn’t looking for love, but a mutual friends introduced to Mason and sparks flew.
Soon, she followed him to Hull City when he moved from Spurs in a £13million deal.
Personally and professionally life was great.
Mason and Peters met when she was studying at Lancaster UniversityCredit: Instagram @rachelspeters
Peters describes herself as a ‘geek’
A ROMANTIC ENGAGEMENT
Just 10 weeks before a clash of heads with Gary Cahill would leave Mason in a crumpled heap on the Stamford Bridge pitch back in 2017, the ex-Hull City star whisked Rachel off to Dubai for a romantic break away.
There, Mason got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.
She said on Instagram: “Tonight the love of my life got down on one knee and I said yes!!!”
Brunette Rachel also uploaded a picture of her sitting by the pool with flowers and champagne and wrote: “Back home after the best weekend ever.”
Rachel regularly says how proud she is of Mason on social mediaCredit: Instagram @rachelspeters
Peters wrote ‘Back home after the best weekend ever’ after Mason proposed to her in DubaiCredit: Instagram
However, their romance faced a sterner test after Mason’s horror ordealCredit: Instagram @rachelspeters
However, their romance was put under a stern test just months later, when Mason would be left fighting for his life.
MASON’S ORDEAL
Mason fractured his skull in the incident with Cahill and was rushed to St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, where he received immediate treatment for a bleed on the brain.
It was later revealed 14 metal plates were inserted into his skull held together with 28 screws and 45 staples – to save his life.
“Thankyou for the overwhelming support for my perfect boy it’s giving us strength,” Rachel wrote in a caption soon after.
In her interview with The Guardian, she said: “How can your life be so perfect and then suddenly your whole world is turned upside down?
“He was unresponsive. He actually died, and they brought him back. It’s crazy.”
In 2018, Mason was forced to hang up his boots.
Mason was forced to retire from the game at the age of 26 after a sickening clash of heads with Gary CahillCredit: Getty – Contributor
Distraught Peters thanked the public for their support on social mediaCredit: Instagram @rachelspeters
THE AFTERMATH
When Mason returned home, Rachel became his full-time carer.
Any noise would be piercing for him, while the medication he took gave him nightmares.
Peters washed, dressed and fed her beloved.
“His body was traumatised. His skin was peeling off his fingertips, he had to wear white cotton gloves,” she said.
“When I got home from the hospital I had a nervous breakdown. I sobbed like a baby.
“I couldn’t cope because I was having to be so strong all the time. I felt guilty just to leave the house for a coffee.”
Peters became Mason’s full-time carer when he left hospitalCredit: Instagram @rachelspeters
Peters recalled how she felt guilty going for a coffee and leaving Mason at home aloneCredit: Instagram @rachelspeters
LIFE DOESN’T ALWAYS GO TO PLAN
The same day the former Spurs youth trainee announced his retirement, again Rachel was there – showing her support on social media.
“Life doesn’t always go to plan, but you have to find the positives in a negative situation,” she wrote on social media.
“You wasn’t expected to make it through the night, let alone walk or talk again and now look at you!!”
In the meantime, the pair welcomed their first child together.
“The truth is you are so lucky to be alive and healthy and it’s a blessing we now have a beautiful baby boy and you’re his absolute world,” she continued.
When Mason announced his retirement, Peters jumped on Instagram in support of her manCredit: Instagram @rachelspeters
The couple welcomed a son and then later announced they were having another babyCredit: INSTAGRAM@RACHELSPETERS
Mason and Peters show off their brood – a son and daughterCredit: Instagram @rachelspeters
Peters is a doting mother and regularly shares her family life on social mediaCredit: Instagram @rachelspeters
“I’m so proud of how dignified, positive and strong you’ve been this past year you’re a true gentleman and professional!!
“You’ve achieved so much already, playing for your country and captaining your team, we are all so proud!!
“Your so loved by every one you meet because you are such a nice, genuine person. And I can’t wait for what’s next, I know you’ll be a success in whatever you do.”
A NEW CHAPTER
Life has come full circle for the pair – with a tragic circumstance pulling them even closer together.
In 2019, Mason returned to Spurs and began to work with their academy and stars of tomorrow.
Rachel wasn’t going to let that moment slip without praising her boy on social media.
Rachel has built up a loyal following on InstagramCredit: Instagram @rachelspeters
In her downtime, Peters likes to workout when she has time away from busy family lifeCredit: INSTAGRAM@RACHELSPETERS
“Congratulations to my @ryan8mason on becoming an official coach at Tottenham. You deserve it and we are always so proud of you,” she wrote on Instagram.
Just a few years later, and Mason is now in the top job.
You can’t help but think he couldn’t have done it all without Rachel by his side.
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